Do I need to turn on Bluetooth for ETC?

[MaciRose]

When using ETC on highways, there is no need to turn on the car's Bluetooth or mobile phone Bluetooth. The ETC junction box installed in our car has a short-distance communication response system inside, which will automatically communicate with the sensors on the road, and our car and mobile phone do not need to turn on Bluetooth. There should be about 20 domestic manufacturers. When using ETC, Bluetooth does not need to be turned on. The ETC Bluetooth switch is only used when the ETC device is activated or when the ETC is charging. It will automatically sense when passing through a highway ETC toll station, and Bluetooth does not need to be turned on all the time. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If it is not the owner who is applying, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the driving license needs to include the page with the most recent annual inspection seal; a bank card for deducting highway tolls; the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old; and the vehicle must be under the applicant's name. How ETC works: Through the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield, it communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, and uses computer networking technology to settle with the bank in the background, allowing the vehicle to pay the highway or bridge toll without stopping when passing through the toll station. Benefits of installing ETC: Saves time: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and environmentally friendly: Green and low-carbon, vehicles pass through the toll station without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and pollution; Saves wear and tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starting and braking, reduces wear and fuel consumption, and users can enjoy toll discounts; Improves efficiency: The ETC lane passage efficiency can theoretically be increased by 2-3 times or more, making traditional ETC newer, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.

[VanDelaney]

As a car tech enthusiast, I often tinker with various in-vehicle devices. The ETC system primarily operates using RFID technology and doesn't require Bluetooth for automatic toll deduction at stations. Bluetooth is typically used for connecting to mobile apps, such as checking balance, recharging, and device settings, but it's not involved in the passage process. During daily driving, ETC lanes work seamlessly without Bluetooth enabled; keeping it on might increase battery drain or potential interference risks without affecting passage performance. I recommend enabling Bluetooth only when needed for app operations and keeping it off otherwise to save energy and maintain device efficiency. Regularly checking for ETC firmware updates via the app ensures system stability. In short, Bluetooth isn't necessary for normal toll passage—keeping things simple works best.

[LaNatalie]

I've been driving for over a decade and have used several ETC devices. Here's my personal experience: When you drive through a toll station, the ETC automatically scans and deducts the fee. The whole process is smooth and doesn't require Bluetooth at all. The Bluetooth function is for connecting to your phone, like using the 'Highway Pass' app to top up or check records, but it doesn't matter whether it's on or off when passing through. I've tried keeping Bluetooth on all the time, and the device works normally without much power consumption. If you turn it off, there's no problem either, and the passing efficiency remains just as high. The key is not to let the device distract you while driving. The phone app is occasionally useful for managing your account. So my habit is to keep Bluetooth off normally and only turn it on manually when the app needs it—simple and hassle-free.

[StJade]

As a new car owner who just installed ETC, I understand your concerns. After consulting professionals, I learned that ETC operates via microwave technology detection, while Bluetooth is only an additional feature for APP functions, such as initial pairing or checking balance. Bluetooth is completely unnecessary for daily passage as the device works automatically. My advice is to properly install the device and let it work quietly; keeping Bluetooth on doesn't affect passage, but it's better to turn it off most of the time to save power and avoid accidentally triggering the APP. When passing through, focusing on road conditions is most important—only turn on Bluetooth when you need the APP, ensuring both safety and efficiency. In short, there's no need for special operations; let the technology serve you.