Can the ETC device be removed after installation?

[OIsla]

The ETC device can be removed after installation. However, if you remove the ETC device yourself, it will become invalid. This is because the ETC device has an anti-tamper feature. There is a small switch on the back of the ETC electronic tag. Once it is peeled off from the windshield, the internal switch will automatically close. Therefore, you must take the vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC service provider to reactivate it. ETC Billing Principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on highways. Through microwave short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the computer network technology is used to settle accounts with the bank. This achieves the purpose of paying tolls without stopping at the toll station, all based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, and lowers wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: The theoretical efficiency of ETC lanes can be increased by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key urban clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will be significantly increased." It also set the target of "achieving a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators of the "13th Five-Year Plan" for comprehensive transportation development. More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the ETC adoption rate for passenger vehicles, the future will also promote the use of ETC for trucks and explore the deep integration of the ETC system with smart transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for car owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage. Precautions for Installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag requires power, but it generally does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced because it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper rod connected to a switch. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-tamper rod in. If the device is removed arbitrarily, the anti-tamper rod will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Notes for Using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle's device information cannot be read, resulting in a failed fee deduction. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause the fee deduction to fail.

[DeDante]

When I first bought my car, I installed an ETC device. Later, a small crack appeared on the windshield, so I had to remove the device for repairs. Actually, the ETC device can be removed after installation, but it must be done very carefully. For example, use a hairdryer to heat the adhesive strip to soften it, then gently pry open the device base without using excessive force. I tried it once and almost damaged the glass coating. Later, I learned the trick: first disconnect the power cable (if it's externally connected), then slowly peel off the adhesive. If any adhesive residue remains on the glass after removal, gently wipe it off with alcohol. However, after removing the ETC device, it may become deactivated and require reactivation at a service center; otherwise, it won’t be recognized at toll stations. In short, if you can avoid removing it, don’t bother—it saves a lot of trouble.