Can the ETC card still be used if it is pulled out?
2 Answers
The ETC machine cannot be used if the card is pulled out, but it can be used again by reinserting it before entering the highway. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Rapid Transit Systems," 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. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. Without the card, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations, so the ETC cannot be used if the card is pulled out. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is a specialized method for toll roads, commonly seen on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Deduction Principles: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's windshield-mounted electronic tag and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks, 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; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and stops, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic 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 intercity transportation card interoperability in key urban clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC," with a target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020." Future possibilities: Beyond improving ETC installation convenience and passenger vehicle usage rates, future efforts will promote ETC adoption for trucks and explore deeper integration with smart transportation developments like vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for car owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC usage.
The ETC card can usually still be used after being removed; it is not permanently disabled. From a technical perspective, the ETC card is essentially a chip card storing your account information, which works in conjunction with the onboard OBU device. Once the card is removed, the device can no longer read the data, and the toll collection function is temporarily suspended. However, as long as you reinsert the card into the OBU, the system will automatically reconnect, and the device will function normally once the indicator light turns on. This process requires no additional setup and typically resumes within minutes. It’s important to note that if the card itself is undamaged—meaning it hasn’t been bent, exposed to water, or aged—repeated removal and reinsertion won’t affect its lifespan. That said, frequent removal is not recommended, as it may wear out the OBU’s contact points over time, increasing the risk of malfunctions. For everyday use, securing the card to avoid accidental removal is more reliable. If the device doesn’t respond, check whether the card slot is clean or simply restart the vehicle’s power. In short, as long as the card remains intact after removal, reinserting it will restore full functionality.
