Can the ETC still be used if it falls off and is reinstalled by myself?
4 Answers
No, it cannot be used. If the ETC is removed by yourself or falls off, it will become invalid because the ETC device has an anti-tamper function. 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 shut off. Therefore, you must bring the vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC service provider for reactivation. ETC Deduction Principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on highways. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, the system uses computer networking technology to settle accounts with the bank in the background. This achieves the purpose of vehicles not needing to stop at toll stations to pay bridge and road fees, 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, lowering wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: The theoretical efficiency of ETC lanes can be increased by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC updates faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council explicitly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation smart cards in key city clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will be significantly increased." It also set a clear target in the "13th Five-Year Plan" for comprehensive transportation development: "By 2020, the ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles will reach 50%." More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the ETC usage 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 intelligent transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage. Precautions for Installing ETC: Do not block the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt angle, 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 blocking the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement 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. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: 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 it 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 go to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Precautions 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 in front. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. If the vehicle speed is too fast, the system may fail to read the vehicle device information, resulting in a failed deduction. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause the deduction to fail.
Last week while I was driving, there was a sudden noise from the rearview mirror area. When I turned to look, my ETC device had fallen onto the floor mat. Probably the summer heat loosened the adhesive. I picked it up and stuck it back in its usual spot on the windshield. When I turned on the ignition, the device's indicator light was green, and it even worked fine at the highway toll booth. But that wasn't the end of it. I recalled that my car had been running for over five years, and the main reason was the aging of the ETC adhesive. If the internal antenna got misaligned from the fall, the signal might become intermittent or fail. To prevent it from falling again, you can check if the adhesive tape is secure, clean the glass surface with alcohol, and reattach it. But if it keeps falling or the light doesn't turn on, don't hesitate—go straight to the ETC service center for a new installation to avoid any mid-journey malfunctions. Remember to check the device's stability during regular maintenance. My advice is safety first—better to be hassle-free when you can.
Last time during my road trip, the ETC device suddenly fell under the seat for no reason. I immediately pulled over to pick it up and put it back in place. After reattaching it, I tested it at the toll station entrance, and surprisingly, the barrier still lifted normally. When this thing falls off and you reinstall it yourself, the key point is that its internal components aren't damaged. Most of the time, it's just that the adhesive has aged and failed—reattaching it properly usually restores functionality. I've helped a friend fix a similar issue in their car too. The operation is very simple: clean the glass and device surface, press firmly for a few minutes, wait for the adhesive to set, then power it on to check if the indicator light flashes. But here's a reminder: if after reinstallation the light doesn't come on or toll collection fails, the circuit might have been damaged during the fall. In that case, you must contact the ETC service provider for inspection—never take chances by driving onto the highway, as the consequences of a malfunction there can be serious. To prevent this, I recommend replacing the adhesive tape every six months and making it a habit to check the device regularly to avoid trouble.
The ETC device primarily relies on its internal microchip and antenna to send and receive signals. In most cases, it can continue to function if it falls off and is reinstalled by the user. I've experienced similar situations where the device detachment is usually caused by adhesive failure. Before reinstalling, ensure the chip hasn't been damaged by impact and that the surface is clean and flat for proper adhesion. Observe the indicator light status after powering on—a green light indicates normal operation, while a red light should raise caution. Additionally, frequent detachment may loosen internal connections, affecting the antenna's positioning function and leading to recognition failure at toll stations, which would then require professional inspection. In summary, after self-installation, it's advisable to test reliability at a small toll station first. Address any issues promptly and avoid using potentially faulty devices during long trips.
