Can the ETC Card Still Be Used After Being Removed?
3 Answers
The ETC device cannot be used when the card is removed. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Fast Passage Systems," the ETC card must be inserted into the OBU device to function properly; otherwise, user information cannot be read. If the card is taken out, you can use the manual lane and have the staff swipe the card. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. Without the card inserted, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations. Therefore, the ETC system cannot be used if the card is removed. ETC is a non-stop electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is specifically designed for toll roads and is commonly used on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Deduction Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's windshield-mounted electronic tag and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system connects with banks for backend settlement, allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. This operates on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by avoiding stops at toll stations. Reduces wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and brakes, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption. Improves efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic flow efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC." It also sets the target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020." Future possibilities: Beyond improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, future efforts will promote ETC adoption for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-road coordination, and other smart transportation developments, providing comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC usage.
As someone who frequently drives on highways, I want to tell you that the ETC card basically doesn't work when removed, because the card acts like the ID of the ETC device and can only function properly when inserted into the OBU (On-Board Unit). If you remove it, the OBU can't detect the card information, causing the toll system to report an error and preventing automatic payment at the toll station. Once, I forgot to insert the card and got stuck at the toll booth, having to manually take a ticket, which not only wasted time but also delayed the cars behind me. Actually, removing the card might be to prevent unauthorized use or other reasons, but it's best not to touch it under normal circumstances. The ETC system is designed to ensure stable data transmission only when the card is constantly inserted. If the card becomes loose, the OBU might flash a red light as a warning—just check and reinsert the card. Frequently removing the card could also wear out the interface, leading to malfunctions. In short, the ETC card loses its functionality when removed. For driving convenience and safety, just let it stay securely in the device.
I remember once during a long-distance trip, I took out my ETC card to take a photo as a souvenir during a rest stop. But when I got back on the highway, the device just wouldn’t recognize it, and the toll gate kept beeping nonstop. So embarrassing! As an ordinary car owner, I realized that once the card is removed, the system can’t connect to the backend account, leaving no way to deduct the toll—I had to use the emergency lane to resolve it. Later, I looked it up and learned that the ETC device relies on the card to store account details. Removing the card is like cutting off the internet—the toll system can’t receive any signals. Now I know: don’t mess with the card for no reason. It can’t be used alone and can easily lead to mistakes. During routine maintenance, keep the card slot clean to avoid dust buildup. If you forget to insert it occasionally, don’t panic—just use the manual lane, but it’s best to develop a habit of checking. This taught me that while technology is convenient, the details determine the experience. Sharing this so others don’t make the same mistake.
