How to test if your ETC is working?
2 Answers
When the ETC staff installs it, they will activate the ETC. In fact, the activation process is also a test for signal availability. If it can be activated correctly, it indicates that the signal is normal and the vehicle can pass through the ETC lane smoothly. Here is some information about ETC: 1. ETC Non-stop Toll System: It is currently the most advanced road and bridge toll collection method in the world. 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, the system can identify the vehicle, write information (entry), and automatically deduct the corresponding funds from the pre-bound IC card or bank account (exit) when the vehicle passes through the toll station. This is an electronic toll collection system for roads, bridges, and tunnels that is being actively developed and promoted internationally. 2. Advantages of the ETC Toll System: This system takes less than two seconds to collect tolls per vehicle, and its toll lane capacity is 5 to 10 times that of manual toll lanes. It is one of the service functions of the intelligent transportation system, allowing passing vehicles to achieve automatic toll collection without stopping at the crossing.
Before my last highway trip, I specifically tested the ETC and want to share some practical methods with you. The most straightforward way is to drive your car slowly about 10 meters away from the barrier in the ETC-only lane, observing whether the device emits a beep sound and checking if the indicator light flashes green. If you're too lazy to go to the toll station, you can also pull out the ETC card and reinsert it to listen for a beeping prompt sound. Pay more attention when parking; the device is prone to failure after exposure to the summer sun, so it's best to use a sunshade to protect it. Be mindful of whether the device is loose or displaced—my neighbor once got stuck at the toll station because the device was misaligned and couldn't be detected. If it really fails, don't panic; you can always use the manual lane to resolve the issue.
