How to Check if a Vehicle Has ETC Service?
2 Answers
To check if a vehicle has ETC service, you need to bring your ID card, vehicle license, and other relevant documents to an ETC service outlet and consult the staff. Generally, the staff will contact the previous owner through the database and ask them to cancel the ETC service at the bank where it was originally registered. If the previous owner cannot be contacted, the ETC information can only be forcibly canceled in the backend to allow the new owner to apply for a new ETC service. The ETC installation process is as follows: After receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU. The red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid, Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation location. Press firmly 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 windshield. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device. 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 through toll stations without stopping, contributing to lower pollution; Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by minimizing frequent starts and stops. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more efficient, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
As a regular driver, if you want to check whether your car has an ETC device, the simplest way is to look for a small square device attached near the rearview mirror on the windshield. If you see one, it means ETC is installed. Alternatively, check inside the car for a card, usually linked to a bank account. You can also log in to the official ETC app or website and enter your license plate number to check the status—some banking apps also provide this service, displaying records if you’ve completed the registration. If you can’t remember where you applied, call the ETC service center; the number can be found online. Nowadays, many highway toll stations have self-service kiosks—just scan your license plate while passing by to check. Additionally, it’s advisable to regularly monitor your ETC balance and linked account to avoid payment issues that could disrupt your travels. This is very convenient and doesn’t require a trip to the bank.
