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

[CoreyAnn]

It can be removed, but the ETC device will not function without the card. According to the "Rules for Using the Non-Stop Fast Pass System," the ETC card must be inserted into the OBU device for normal operation; 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 should reinsert the card when needed. ETC is the Electronic Toll Collection system, also known as the Automatic Road Toll System. It is a specialized road toll method typically used on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Deduction Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's windshield-mounted electronic tag and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks, allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. This is based on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. Cost-saving: Reduces wear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC." It also sets a target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020." Future possibilities: Beyond improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, future efforts will promote ETC adoption for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and other smart transportation developments. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage.

[VanEvan]

I've been driving an ETC-equipped car for several years, and I usually leave the card inserted because the OBU device has an auto-sleep function that saves power when not in use. However, if you don't use the car for an extended period, such as being away on business for a week or two, or in particularly humid environments, keeping the card inserted may accelerate battery drain or cause chip oxidation. My habit is to leave it inserted when frequently using highways for convenience; but if the car sits in the garage for a month or two during winter, I remove and store the card. Remember, frequent card insertion and removal can wear out the slot and increase malfunction risks. Actually, newer devices now use solar charging and consume minimal power, so leaving the card in is fine. The key is usage frequency: if you drive daily, don't bother removing it; for long-term parking, removing the card is safer. Finally, regularly check the OBU indicator light to ensure proper operation.