How to Deal with ETC Showing Illegal Removal?

[VanAlexis]

Methods for handling ETC showing illegal removal: You need to go to an ETC customer service center or service outlet for reinstallation and activation. Improper installation of ETC or bumps/collisions while driving may cause the electronic tag to loosen or detach. Vehicles equipped with ETC should pass through toll gates via ETC lanes. The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When encountering a stationary vehicle ahead, maintain a distance of over 10 meters to prevent the system from automatically charging for the preceding vehicle. ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) enables automatic highway or bridge toll payment through dedicated short-range communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the toll station's ETC lane. It utilizes computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, allowing vehicles to pass through highway/bridge toll stations without stopping for payment.

[OFelix]

If my ETC shows "illegal removal," it's usually because the device has been moved, triggering the anti-tamper protection. I've had a similar experience—it was particularly frustrating when I couldn't use automatic tolling on the highway. The reason might be that it was accidentally bumped during the last car wash or the adhesive loosened due to aging. I would first try turning it off or unplugging the power for a few minutes before restarting, as sometimes it can recover on its own. If that doesn’t work, I must visit an ETC service point and have staff reactivate it using professional equipment. Bring your ID and vehicle documents for free processing. Never attempt to open or tamper with it yourself, as it could lead to permanent locking, forcing you to spend money on a replacement. To prevent issues, it's best to secure it properly with the original adhesive, avoiding vibrations or relocation. Think about how annoying it would be to queue for manual toll payment on a long trip—regular checks and maintenance can save you time and hassle.

[Maria]

I once encountered an ETC illegal removal warning due to relocating the device. Try restarting it immediately after powering off. If that doesn't work, directly contact the customer service hotline to describe the issue—they'll recommend the nearest service point for handling. Bring your ID card and vehicle license, and the technician can quickly fix it with diagnostic tools. Don't attempt to open it yourself to avoid damaging the circuits, as repair costs aren't worth it. During installation, use extra adhesive to secure it firmly and prevent loosening. Avoid touching it during car washes or repairs, and regularly check if the adhesive strips have aged. Ensuring it's securely fixed can prevent frequent issues, saving you from travel delays and frustration.

[MiaMarie]

When the ETC shows illegal removal, I directly press the reset button or unplug and replug the power to try restarting the system. If that doesn't work, go to the designated service point for reactivation—they'll fix it quickly. Avoid tampering with the device yourself as it may cause damage. Use glue to secure it firmly during installation.

[Khloe]

If the ETC indicates illegal removal, it's usually because the anti-tamper device was triggered by displacement. From my experience: try turning it off for a few minutes to let it cool down before restarting - some models can self-recover. If that doesn't work, visit a service center to have the device's code rebound using specialized equipment. Be careful not to disturb its position during modifications or cleaning to prevent loosening errors. I've also had success adding a small bracket for extra stability to reduce movement risks. Addressing this promptly maintains normal ETC operation, avoiding highway payment hassles.