How to Transfer the Old Car ETC to a New Car?
4 Answers
The method to transfer the old car ETC to a new car is as follows: the car owner should bring the vehicle license and ID card, fill out a change form, remove the ETC device, then go to the purchase location for re-matching, visit an ETC service point to process data changes, install the old ETC on the new car, and reactivate it. The ETC activation process is: Insert and remove the ETC card twice in succession until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth is on". If inserting and removing twice without attaching the electronic tag shows "Tag invalid", it is a normal phenomenon and does not affect activation. Alternatively, you can directly press the button on the top of the electronic tag to enable the Bluetooth function. Turn on the phone's Bluetooth, open the corresponding mobile app (usually there is a download QR code on the electronic tag), and enter the device activation interface. Click on device connection and wait patiently for the "Connection successful" prompt. After successful connection, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete the activation.
I encountered the same issue last year when changing cars and wanted to save some hassle. The ETC device was originally installed on the old car, so it had to be removed first, but be careful not to damage the device. Then, take the new car's vehicle registration and your ID card to a nearby ETC service point, such as a bank or highway service area. First, complete the deregistration process for the old device, then rebind it to the new car. The whole process is quite fast and can be done in half an hour, but the new car's windshield should be clean for easy installation of the new tag. Never just stick it on the new car and use it directly, as the system might not recognize it, leading to wasted travel time or even incorrect charges. I once tried not changing it, and the toll booth stopped me—what a hassle. Regularly checking the ETC status is also important to avoid any mid-journey hiccups.
Having driven for many years, I’ve gone through the hassle of transferring my ETC when changing cars. The key is to save money—buying a new ETC costs extra, but transferring is free. Just bring the documents for both vehicles to an ETC service point to complete the transfer. Staff usually handle the deactivation and reactivation for you on the spot, with little waiting. Don’t forget to be careful with the wires when removing the old device, and install the new one in the right position to avoid affecting its detection. This method is hassle-free and cost-effective. I also recommend calling ahead to check the queue at the service point to avoid a wasted trip. Additionally, after selecting a new car, remember to test a small toll payment to ensure everything works smoothly, so you won’t get stuck on a long trip.
After getting a new car, my first thought was to deal with the ETC. The process is straightforward: take the old device and ID card to an ETC service point to apply for a transfer. The cancellation is done within minutes, and then it's reattached to the new car's tag. When installing, align it to the specific position on the windshield to avoid obstructing the view. The operation is simple and free, even beginners can learn it. Don't forget to keep a copy of the new car's vehicle license as a backup. This method is efficient and saves time.
