Does ETC need to be reactivated if it falls off?
2 Answers
Yes, it is necessary 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 close. Therefore, you must take the vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC service provider for reactivation. ETC's deduction principle: There will be one or more ETC lanes on the highway. Through the dedicated short-range microwave communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, and using computer networking technology to settle accounts with the bank, the vehicle can pay the toll without stopping at the bridge or toll station. All of this is 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: green and 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, and lowers 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 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 explicitly set the goal 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 smart transportation development directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination, providing comprehensive travel services for car owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC applications. Here are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large rearward angle of the windshield, 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 obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag requires power, but generally, it does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced because there is a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and do not place it where the solar panel might be obstructed. Do not remove it casually 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 casually, the 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. Things to note when 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 ahead. The recognition speed for ETC lane passage is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may prevent the vehicle's device information from being read, leading to a failed fee deduction. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance will also result in a failed fee deduction.
Last time my car's ETC fell off, and I was quite nervous because I got stuck at the highway entrance. After falling off, it usually needs to be reactivated to work properly. The activation process is simple: first, reattach the device to its original position on the windshield, aligned with the toll station receiver; then use a mobile app or contact a service point to complete the process, which takes just a few minutes. If not activated, the signal won't align with the toll station, and the ETC won't deduct fees automatically. You might be treated as violating regulations on the highway and could face fines. It's recommended to check if the device is firmly attached before driving and avoid driving too fast on bumpy roads to prevent it from shaking loose. After activation, test it on a short stretch of the highway to confirm the indicator light is working normally.
