Does the ETC card have a front and back side?
3 Answers
ETC cards have two sides, with the side containing the chip being the front. The front side should face the car window and be inserted into the card slot of the OBU device. Where can ETC be installed: For small vehicles such as cars and minivans, the OBU device is installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is in the lower middle part. ETC installation position requirements: The height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane). The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly turn on. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly with your hand for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the front windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
When it comes to whether ETC cards have a front and back side, this is a question I often get asked. From my perspective studying electronic devices, the card indeed has a front and back: the front usually features the bank logo and the chip, while the back has the magnetic strip and serial number. When using it, you must insert it into the vehicle's OBU device with the front side facing up; otherwise, the device won't be able to read the signal, leading to failure at the toll booth. I've tried inserting it the wrong way a few times, resulting in the ETC light flashing an alarm and having to manually swipe the card, which wastes time. To avoid this, check the arrow indicator or graphic instructions on the card to align it correctly with the slot direction; if unsure, clean the card surface of dust and try again. Don’t overlook this small detail during daily maintenance—it can prevent a lot of hassle.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I know full well that ETC cards must be inserted correctly—face up is the right way. The reverse side has stickers or anti-counterfeit codes; inserting it wrong means the device won't recognize it and could even waste battery. Once, when exiting the highway, I inserted the card backward, and the system rejected it, leaving me stuck at the toll gate in an embarrassing situation. Since then, I always double-check the card's orientation before hitting the highway. The card's design is simple but practical—ignoring details could cost you extra fees or even a ticket. Remember, the smooth side with the logo is the front, while the back usually has numbers or markings. Just make it a habit.
