Is there a risk of ETC being stolen?
2 Answers
There is a risk of ETC being stolen, so it is recommended to unplug the ETC card when parking to prevent theft. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing area is 8 meters. When encountering a vehicle in front stopping, to prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning or not having an ETC device at all, keep a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, which will also lead to a failed deduction. Unauthorized disassembly or movement of the OBU device, or detachment or loosening of the ETC electronic tag, will cause the electronic tag to fail. It can be sent to the bank where the ETC card was processed or the highway service office for testing. If the loosening or detachment is not caused by human factors, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card to bind with ETC, insufficient balance will also lead to a failed deduction. Follow the guidance of the on-site staff to go to the manual MTC lane and use cash or card for passage. Poor sensing due to overly thick car windshield. Especially for vehicles that have had accidents and had their windshields replaced, or for those who have modified their front windshields, extra attention is needed.
As someone who has studied automotive electronic systems, here's my take on this issue: ETC cards do carry the risk of being skimmed due to their wireless signal technology. When the card is left in the car with windows not properly closed or parked in public spaces, thieves can use handheld card readers to scan and clone the information within a certain range. Modern ETC systems incorporate basic encryption, but older cards or vulnerabilities still leave room for malicious exploitation. I've seen reports where people were charged small amounts unknowingly due to signal theft. To prevent this, it's best to remove the card when the vehicle is unused for extended periods or opt for newer cards with additional PIN protection. Additionally, enabling real-time notifications through your banking app is more effective than anything else—you'll spot anomalies immediately. Regularly checking transaction records is also crucial, just like maintaining your beloved car. In summary, while risks exist, they're manageable. These simple measures can significantly reduce the chances of being compromised.
