Can the ETC card still be used after being removed and reinserted?

[AddysonMarie]

The card can be used after reinsertion. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Rapid Passage System," the ETC card must be inserted into the OBU device to function properly; otherwise, user information cannot be read. If the card is removed, you can use the manual lane and have the staff swipe the card for you. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will be heard, indicating that the device is activated. If the card is not inserted, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations. Therefore, the ETC cannot be used without the card, and it must be reinserted when needed. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is specifically designed for toll roads, commonly found 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. Communication between the vehicle's electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane enables toll payment without stopping at the toll booth. This is achieved through computer networking technology and bank settlement, operating on a "pass first, deduct later" principle. 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 booths. Cost-saving: Minimizes vehicle wear and fuel consumption by reducing frequent starts and stops. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic flow efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more advanced. 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 a 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 use for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination in smart transportation development, providing comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC usage.

[McWyatt]

Oh, I've experienced this issue before. I once accidentally pulled out the ETC card and thought it was broken, which made me quite anxious. Later, when I reinstalled it, I found it worked perfectly fine. The ETC card is just a small card that needs to be securely fixed in the vehicle's device with good contact on the terminals. As long as there's no physical damage, like being bent or exposed to water, the system will automatically recognize it once it's reinstalled. However, be careful not to frequently insert and remove it, as this can loosen the card slot or accumulate dust, affecting the signal. I recommend occasionally cleaning it with a dry cloth and avoiding water. The ETC system is designed to be quite robust, and generally, there are no issues with toll collection after reinstalling it. But if you find that it's not being recognized at the toll booth, quickly visit an ETC service center to check the card or the OBU. It's good to handle minor car issues yourself, but always prioritize safety and don't take unnecessary risks.

[DeRose]

As a car enthusiast, from a technical perspective, inserting and removing an ETC card is similar to handling a memory card. The card has a chip and metal contacts, so taking it out and putting it back in is fine as long as the contacts are aligned and firmly inserted—the OBU can then reread the data and operate normally. I've tested this a few times, including after powering off, without any issues; the card's design allows for slight movement. However, avoid using excessive force to prevent scratching the contacts. In high humidity, static interference may occur, so it's best to handle the card in a dry environment. The card has a long lifespan, but frequent insertion and removal can cause wear, leading to unstable signals. The ETC is a critical vehicle accessory—simple maintenance can be done yourself, but for complex issues, it's safer to consult a professional.

[StLeilani]

As a cautious car owner, I generally don't remove the ETC card. The card is designed to stay installed in the vehicle long-term with minimal handling, as frequent removal carries risks: poor contact at the terminals, dust ingress interfering with signals, or static electricity causing malfunctions. While reinserting it once might work, frequent handling increases the likelihood of issues. Similar to replacing car key batteries, I regularly check if the ETC system indicator light stays on consistently. If the card becomes loose or fails to be recognized after insertion, avoid forcing it and promptly visit a service station to prevent highway toll gate failures.