Does the ETC device need to be charged?
4 Answers
There are two types of ETC devices: one is solar-powered, which does not require charging as it uses its own built-in power source. The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not need to be charged during normal use because it has a solar panel on the back that can recharge itself. During installation, it should be placed away from the black areas on the windshield. The other type requires charging, and if it is not used frequently, it is recommended to charge it every two to three months. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for an ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent must also bring their valid ID. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, you will need a bank card for deducting highway tolls, and the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, with the vehicle registered under their name. For company vehicles, the required documents include: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with company seal); a photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with company seal); the agent's original ID; the original vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle for which the ETC is to be installed. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Avoids the hassle of waiting in line. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. Cost-saving: Reduces wear and tear and fuel consumption by minimizing vehicle starts and stops. Users can also enjoy toll discounts. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. Here are some installation considerations for ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror. Many car models have windshields with steep angles, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this can increase blind spots. Placing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror helps avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and any positions that might block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses the lever in. If removed, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You would then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This feature prevents multiple vehicles from sharing a single device. Things to note when using ETC:
I'm the type of person who's particularly fascinated by automotive gadgets. The ETC device is that toll tag in your car, embedded on the windshield, which automatically charges via a small solar panel. During normal driving with sufficient light exposure, it maintains power effortlessly, so users never need to charge it manually. The battery is a lithium or similar design with a lifespan of 5-7 years, rarely failing. But if you notice toll booths aren't responding, it might be due to the solar panel being blocked by dust or decals causing insufficient charging, or the battery aging and depleting. The solution is simple: clean the windshield and device surface, or drive more in sunlight to replenish power; never attempt to open and charge it yourself as this risks short-circuiting and damaging the tag. If the battery truly dies, contact an ETC service center for a free replacement—safe and hassle-free.
I've been relying on ETC for my travels these past few years, and it's super convenient. Once installed, I almost completely forgot about it because the solar panel can fully charge in just one day under sunlight, requiring almost no intervention from me. But last year, when my car was parked in an underground garage for a while, the ETC ran out of power and wasn't recognized at the toll booth. Later, I had it checked at a service point, and it turned out the battery was low—replacing the tag solved the problem. My advice to regular drivers like me: try to park your car where the windshield gets sunlight, and don't let anything block the device; if the indicator light turns red or doesn't light up, address it promptly. Don't attempt to charge it yourself when it's out of power—that just complicates things. Most of the time, natural light exposure is enough to restore it.
As someone who often helps neighbors with car repairs, I'd like to remind everyone that ETC maintenance is quite simple and doesn't require user charging. The device is designed with solar power supply, so just make sure the windshield is clean and prevent dirt buildup on the equipment. If the machine malfunctions, first try cleaning the panel to reboot it. If that doesn't work, then consider sending it for repair or battery replacement. Self-charging is too risky as it can easily damage internal circuits, doing more harm than good. Daily exposure to sunlight while driving is sufficient to maintain functionality, typically worry-free for five years. Simply put: keep the device visible and unobstructed, don't complicate things.
