Can the ETC still be used if it falls off?
2 Answers
ETC cannot be used if it falls off. To prevent the phenomenon of one ETC being used for multiple vehicles, there is a small button on the ETC installation surface. If this button pops out, the ETC will automatically become invalid. Even if it is reattached, it will not function properly. Solution for a fallen ETC: Go to the original issuing point or the provincial highway ETC service center to have it reinstalled and reactivated. ETC is the Electronic Toll Collection system, which is an automatic toll collection system for highways or bridges. It achieves the purpose of vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay tolls by using dedicated 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, and then processing the transaction through computer networking technology with the bank for backend settlement.
Whether the ETC can still be used after falling off depends on the situation. Having driven for so many years, I've seen this happen a lot—the key is whether the device is damaged. If it's just loosened or the adhesive failed without any impact, try cleaning the windshield and reattaching it; it usually still works fine. I once fixed mine myself, tested it at a toll station, and it worked without issues. However, if it's cracked or the internal screen is broken, then it definitely won't work, and you’ll need to replace it at a service point. I recommend handling it promptly—delaying could lead to toll payment failures on the highway, which is not only embarrassing but might also result in fines. Regularly check the mounting parts when parking and use high-quality adhesive to prevent accidental detachment and avoid repeated hassle. In short, minor detachment isn’t a big deal, but severe damage means you’ll need a replacement.
