Can the ETC still be used after vehicle transfer?

[LeoDella]

The ETC cannot continue to be used after vehicle transfer. Because the vehicle information has changed, the ETC associated with the vehicle will become invalid. The original owner needs to cancel the previous ETC information, and the new owner needs to apply for a new ETC with the following documents: the new owner's ID card and its copy, the vehicle license and the last vehicle inspection record on it, and a debit card. The documents that the original owner needs to provide for a used car transfer include: the registration certificate, vehicle license, and ID card. The buyer needs to provide an ID card, and if they are from another city, they need a residence permit or temporary residence permit. For vehicle transfer, the first step is to conduct a vehicle evaluation. The evaluation fee is generally 1%-2% of the evaluated vehicle price, and other fees include the license plate, vehicle license, etc. The original vehicle's commercial insurance can be canceled (compulsory insurance cannot be canceled), or the insurance can be transferred to the buyer at the insurance company. Precautions for buying used cars: Incomplete procedures. The complete procedures for a used car include: vehicle registration certificate (or original purchase invoice), vehicle license, vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, road maintenance fee procedures, and compulsory insurance. If the vehicle registration certificate or vehicle license is missing, or if there are arrears in compulsory insurance or road maintenance fees, it will bring endless trouble to the buyer. Therefore, when buying a car, if the seller cannot provide complete procedures, consumers should be especially vigilant. Tampering with the odometer. Most consumers like to judge the condition of the car based on the odometer, and sellers often take advantage of this psychology to tamper with the odometer. In fact, the odometer is not only an indicator of usage intensity but also a recorder of the maintenance and replacement of other vehicle parts. If the buyer follows the maintenance schedule based on a tampered odometer, it will bring a series of potential safety hazards. New paint covering external injuries. When consumers choose a used car, if the car has been repainted and there are repair marks around the front face, rear, and A, B, and C pillars, the car is very likely to have been involved in a major accident. Adjusting the heart to raise the price. Many consumers often pay too much attention to the heart of the car (engine) when buying a car and ignore the health of the car body. Used car sellers take advantage of this psychology by replacing engine parts to make the heart of the car appear younger, thereby raising the price.

[IsabelLee]

I've driven several cars, and recently after transferring one to a friend, the ETC stopped working. I had to pay manually at toll stations, which was really inconvenient. Since my original ETC was linked to my bank account, the system couldn't recognize it after the ownership changed. I quickly went to the original processing point to cancel the old ETC, and then my friend went to the bank to apply for a new device with the transfer proof. The whole process took just half a day, but I recommend handling these details before the transfer to avoid last-minute issues. Also, many places now support online APP processing, making ETC updates much faster. Don't underestimate this—if not handled promptly, the toll system might make errors and overcharge. Also, driving safety should be noted.

[DeBrooklyn]

I just bought a used car and transferred the ownership, excited to use the ETC for fast toll passage, but it didn’t respond at all. After calling the ETC customer service, I found out the device was still registered under the previous owner’s name. He had to cancel or unlink it first before I could apply for a new card with the updated vehicle documents. I went directly to a nearby bank branch, provided my ID and the transfer documents, and got a new tag installed the same day. This experience taught me that transferring ownership isn’t just about handing over the car keys—electronic systems need to be updated too, or it can waste time and money. Modern ETC is quite smart, but it won’t work if the information doesn’t match. Solving it early saves a lot of hassle.

[VonFelicity]

After transferring the vehicle ownership, I checked the ETC and found it indeed didn't work. Since it was tied to the previous owner's information, the change in ownership requires a reset. My advice is to handle this immediately after the transfer is completed. First, go to the original service point to cancel the old ETC to avoid account disputes. Then, the new owner can easily apply for a new one with the relevant documents. If not resolved promptly, you might get stopped at toll gates or face incorrect charges, which could also affect safe driving. In short, don't overlook these small details—they're quite important.

[OJosiah]

ETC essentially identifies the vehicle owner through the onboard tag. After the vehicle is transferred to a new owner, the information mismatch naturally renders it invalid. I've experienced this myself—either the original owner needs to unbind it, or the new owner can directly visit the ETC center to update the data, bringing the transfer certificate. Sometimes, it also involves issues with linked bank cards, so it's best to handle it at the original issuing institution. Stay patient during the process and avoid rushing onto the highway, as billing errors could disrupt travel efficiency and safety. While technology is convenient, data synchronization is key—don’t forget this step after every transfer.