Can the ETC device of a used car still be used?

[DeClara]

ETC devices for used cars cannot be used. If the vehicle has been transferred and the license plate number has been changed, the ETC needs to be updated. ETC, short for Electronic Toll Collection, records the vehicle's license plate number in its chip. Therefore, when the license plate number changes, the relevant records in the ETC must be updated, meaning the old license plate number should be replaced with the new one. Highway ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as the non-stop toll collection system. Highways have one or more ETC lanes, and installing ETC helps improve the overall efficiency of highway traffic, promotes energy conservation and emission reduction, and reduces vehicle operating costs.

[FernandoDella]

The ETC device on a used car is definitely usable after purchase. I've personally gone through two used car transactions without major issues. The device is linked to the previous owner's account, so you can't just drive onto the highway and use it directly, as this could lead to incorrect charges or disputes. When I bought a used car last year, I immediately went to the bank's ETC service point to complete the transfer: bring the new owner's ID card, vehicle registration, fill out a simple form, and it only took a few minutes to bind it to me. The key steps are unbinding the old account and binding the new one, otherwise, the device might detect signals but fail to charge properly. Also, check if the device has any physical damage, like being smashed or loose wiring, which could cause detection issues. Overall, ETC devices are quite durable, and the paperwork is worth the time for the convenience of fast highway access.

[VonNathan]

When it comes to the ETC device for used cars, I believe it can generally continue to be used. The hardware design of the device is quite universal—once installed in your car, it should work. The key issue lies in account binding. I remember when I took over my friend's car two years ago, the ETC device was still there. I first drove to an ETC service station for a quick check to ensure the power and signal were functioning properly. Then, I uploaded the new car information via a mobile app to complete the transfer. If left unaddressed, the highway toll station might mistakenly charge the previous owner, but the risk is small, and the process isn’t complicated—it takes less than ten minutes. The benefit is avoiding the hassle of queuing to pay tolls, which is especially convenient during peak hours. For long-term use, just remember to periodically check the device for dust or looseness.

[StValerie]

The ETC device of a used car is usually functional, but pay attention to the binding issue. After I bought the car, I encountered this problem—the device was still bound to the previous owner and needed to be re-registered. Simply contact the bank or ETC center to complete a straightforward transfer process: bring the new vehicle documents to register the updated information. Checking if the device powers on normally is no big deal. If left unaddressed, driving directly on the highway may result in incorrect toll deductions or device failure. The steps are simple and won’t affect the usability.