Should ETC be installed first or activated first?

[LiamLynn]

ETC should be installed first and then activated, because ETC has an anti-tamper button, which is designed to prevent one ETC device from being used alternately between several vehicles. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic Toll Collection. ETC is a non-stop electronic toll collection system, and the ETC dedicated lane is for vehicles equipped with an ETC on-board unit, using electronic toll collection methods. The ETC non-stop toll collection system uses dedicated short-range microwave communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. It utilizes computer networking technology to conduct background settlement processing with the bank, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through road and bridge toll stations without stopping while being able to pay toll fees.

[DiMatthew]

I always feel that the sequence is crucial when dealing with ETC issues. Generally, I first install that small device, firmly attaching it to the front windshield, ensuring it's positioned directly opposite the toll station antenna. After that, I activate it, either through a mobile app or by visiting a service point to complete procedures like linking a bank card to make it functional. If I reverse the order—for example, attempting activation before proper installation—the device might fail to receive signals or start up, wasting time needlessly. I find ETC incredibly convenient; once installed and activated, driving on the road allows automatic fee deduction, eliminating the need to queue at highway toll booths to pay in cash, making it both safe and efficient. Nowadays, many people overlook installation details, such as failing to clean the windshield properly before attaching the device, which might cause it to fall off and disrupt post-activation usage. It's advisable to carefully read the manual or consult professionals beforehand to avoid any mishaps.

[BradleyLee]

The installation and activation of ETC always follow my fixed procedure: First, I carefully secure the device in the central area on the inside of the windshield to prevent loosening or interference. Only after ensuring it's properly installed do I proceed with the activation process, submitting information online or linking the account at a bank branch. This sequence feels safest to me—activating before securing the device might lead to mid-journey malfunctions and unnecessary hassle. Once ETC is enabled, it’s incredibly convenient: no need to stop at toll booths, reducing accident risks and even saving on toll fees. Some might rush to activate first to test the function, only to find the device unresponsive without proper installation, forcing them to redo the process and waste effort. Personally, keeping a small toolkit in the car for cleaning and securing the device can significantly improve the first-time success rate.

[DelJake]

I recommend ETC users to install the device first and then activate it. Activating the device after properly mounting it in the correct position on the vehicle can prevent subsequent malfunctions. The process is simple: clean the windshield, securely attach the device, and then complete the activation procedure to link the account. Doing it in the wrong order may easily lead to functional failure.