How to Insert an ETC Card?
4 Answers
Insert the ETC card into the OBU device with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device. ETC cards are generally divided into three types: debit cards, prepaid cards (debit cards), and co-branded credit cards, all of which are inserted in the same way. More details are as follows: 1. ETC is an electronic toll collection system that allows vehicles equipped with an ETC onboard unit to use dedicated ETC lanes for electronic toll payment. 2. The ETC non-stop toll collection system is currently the most advanced bridge and road toll collection method in the world. 3. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, and by leveraging computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, the system enables vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping to pay bridge and road fees.
Having driven for many years, I remember inserting the ETC card is quite simple. First, park the car in a safe place and locate the small box on the windshield—that's the ETC device, usually near the rearview mirror. Take out the card, with the side containing the chip facing upwards (check the arrow indicator on the device for the correct direction), and gently push it into the card slot on the device. You'll hear a 'click' sound when it's properly inserted. Don't use too much force, or you might damage the card. Always check if the card is securely inserted before driving—once, my card was halfway out on the highway, and I was almost stopped at the toll booth. If the device doesn’t respond, it might be out of battery or the card could be expired, so recharge or replace it promptly. This design is meant for quick passage through toll stations, saving time and hassle. Once you get used to it, you won’t even have to think about it.
When I installed the ETC in my first car, I was a bit nervous the first few times inserting the card, but it's actually not that complicated. First, locate the ETC device in front of the car, align the front of the card with the slot (usually with the chip facing up), and gently insert it. If it's not inserted correctly, it will pop out, and you can just try again. Don't do this while driving, as it can be distracting and affect safety. The ETC card is usually linked to a bank card, so avoid mixing it up with other cards to prevent errors. The benefit is automatic toll deduction on highways—no need to stop and queue, which is super convenient. Once, I inserted the card the wrong way, and the toll station showed an error, but I corrected it in time. Now, I make it a habit to glance at the device before driving to ensure the card is properly inserted.
Safe driving is the top priority. Always stop and turn off the engine before inserting the ETC card. First, locate the small device on the windshield (called OBU). Align the card with the chip side facing up and insert it smoothly into the slot. Avoid letting keys or metal objects touch it during the process to prevent static interference. If unsure about the orientation, refer to the user manual or the device's indicator light. Once inserted, the device will automatically sense it at the toll station, so no need to worry. If the card gets stuck or the device doesn't light up, don't force it out—it might be due to dirty contacts or a dead battery. These minor issues won't affect driving, but regular maintenance can help avoid trouble.
