Is it normal for the ETC card display not to light up?
2 Answers
It is not normal for the ETC card display not to light up. If pressing the top button does not cause the corresponding indicator light to illuminate, or if there is no display after inserting the ETC card, it may indicate that the ETC device is out of power or damaged. Mainstream ETC devices are powered by solar energy but still contain an internal battery with a lifespan of approximately 3 years. When pressing the anti-tamper switch on the back of the ETC electronic tag, a red light will briefly illuminate, and the screen will display messages such as 'Tag Invalid' or 'Please Insert Card,' indicating that the device is functioning normally and does not affect activation. In fact, the ETC device does not need to be turned on each time, nor does it require manual activation. When not in use, the ETC card can be removed to avoid potential unauthorized transactions.
When the ETC card is inserted but the indicator light does not illuminate, it is usually abnormal. As a frequent driver, I take such situations seriously due to safety risks. Normally, the ETC device should light up to indicate its working status—for example, a steady or flashing green light means it's functioning properly. If the light is off, it may lead to toll payment failures, causing delays at highway tollgates, accidental alarm triggers, or fines, which can increase stress while driving. I once encountered an issue where the light went out due to a drained battery. That time, while queuing at the toll booth, I fortunately checked in time and resolved it by replacing the battery. For daily driving, I recommend immediately checking whether the card is inserted properly, the battery status of the device (most ETC devices allow battery replacement), or if the metal contacts are oxidized or poorly connected. If a problem is detected, don’t push through—pull over to address it to avoid bigger troubles. I remember last winter when my ETC light wouldn’t turn on, and later I realized the cold weather affected the battery performance—it worked after warming up for a few minutes.