Do I need to remove the card when the in-vehicle ETC is not in use?

[BarrettLee]

It can be unplugged, but the ETC device will not work without the card. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Fast Pass Systems," the ETC card must be inserted into the OBU device to function properly; otherwise, user information cannot be read. If the card is removed, you can use the manual lane and have the staff swipe the card. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, there will be a prompt sound, indicating that the device is activated. Without the card, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations, so you need to reinsert the card when you need to use it. ETC is the Electronic Toll Collection system, also known as the Automatic Road Toll System. It is a road toll method specifically designed for toll roads, commonly found on highways, bridges or tunnels with toll policies, and some sections of urban centers to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Deduction Principles: There will be one or more ETC lanes on highways. Through microwave-specific short-range communication between the vehicle's 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, achieving the goal of vehicles not needing to stop at toll stations to pay road and bridge fees. All of this is based on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, vehicles pass 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 or more, 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 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 a clear target in the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development indicators: "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 vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and other smart transportation development directions, providing car owners with comprehensive travel services. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications.

[MacGabrielle]

I'm a cautious driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, and I generally don't see the need to remove the ETC card from the device unless you're particularly concerned about theft. The in-car equipment has anti-theft locking mechanisms, and keeping the card securely fixed inside is quite safe, saving the hassle of constant removal and reinsertion. However, during prolonged parking in summer, the soaring temperatures inside the car could damage the card's chip, leading to malfunctions. For instance, I once had a card fail after leaving my car parked for several days in a hot region, and replacing it was both time-consuming and costly. Therefore, I make it a habit to remove the card and place it in a sunshade box when the car won't be used for an extended period or during extremely hot weather. This not only protects the card but also reduces the risk of theft. Adopting this small habit can help avoid unnecessary troubles, as smooth ETC operation is also crucial for driving safety.

[VanArcher]

From my perspective, as a driver who values convenience, there's no need to remove the ETC card at all. The device is designed to hold the card securely in place, making daily use effortless and efficient. You don't have to do anything when getting in or out of the car—the system senses it automatically. Who would bother taking it out and putting it back? The card has built-in protective measures, so outsiders can't tamper with it. The only time you might consider removing it is in special situations, like when the car goes to the repair shop or gets washed. Otherwise, it's best to just leave it be. By the way, exposing the ETC card to high temperatures can accelerate aging, but modern devices have adequate heat insulation, so it's usually fine. I've been driving for over a decade and rarely remove the card—everything works just fine. Life should be easy.

[Mallory]

With years of driving experience, I've found that leaving the ETC card in place usually isn't a big issue. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures inside the vehicle cabin, especially during summer, can easily damage the chip and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, I recommend removing and storing the card when parking for extended periods or in hot weather to extend its durability. Occasionally check the device's wiring to ensure there's no looseness, preventing poor contact that could cause malfunctions. This simple step to protect your equipment can save you money on card replacements, being both practical and reassuring.