How to Insert an ETC Card?
4 Answers
Method for inserting an ETC card: 1. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU. The red light will briefly illuminate, and the OLED screen will display 'Tag Invalid, Please Insert Card,' indicating the device is functioning normally. 2. Clean the vehicle's front windshield to ensure the surface is spotless, then peel off the OBU's adhesive backing film and affix it to the designated installation position. For small vehicles such as sedans and minivans, the installation position is the upper middle section of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is the lower middle section. ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) is a non-stop electronic toll system, also known as an automatic road charging system. It is specifically designed for toll roads and is commonly used on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion.
Inserting the ETC card is something I do every day while driving, so let me share my experience. First, locate the OBU device attached to the windshield, usually the small box near the rearview mirror. Hold the card firmly with the chip side facing you and the bank logo side facing outward toward the windshield. Insert it smoothly along the card slot until you hear a 'beep,' which indicates success. Remember not to insert it too quickly or forcefully, as the card can easily bend. I always keep alcohol wipes in my car and clean the chip once a month to prevent poor contact that might cause failure at toll stations. In summer, be especially careful not to expose the device to direct sunlight, as high temperatures can warp the card. If there's no response after insertion, try turning the device off and on again. If that doesn’t work, contact your bank for a replacement card.
Just a few days ago, I helped a friend deal with an ETC card issue and found that the most common mistake beginners make is inserting it the wrong way. The golden chip on the ETC card must face the driver, while the bank card side should face the front of the car. Locate the card slot on the device and push it in firmly until it clicks. I once encountered a situation where the card didn’t respond after insertion, and later discovered it was demagnetized. Remind everyone to keep the card away from phones and magnets when storing it—it’s best to keep it in the sun visor card holder. If the card fails to work at the toll gate, don’t panic; just use the manual lane and mobile payment as a temporary solution, then visit a bank branch later to resolve the issue.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, inserting the ETC card requires steadiness, precision, and decisiveness. The safest way is to operate while the vehicle is stationary—clearly identify the card slot orientation and push it in smoothly in one go. A steady green light indicates normal operation, while a blinking light means it's time for inspection. I always keep a spare card slot in my car because last year's rainy season caused oxidation and poor contact due to high humidity. When cleaning the windshield, avoid spraying water directly on the OBU device—just wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Avoid frequent insertion and removal; limit it to three or four times a year at most, as the plastic layer on the card can wear out easily. If the device doesn’t respond, first turn off the power, wait five minutes, then restart and reinsert the card to try again.
