Should I Remove the ETC Card During Free Highway Period?
3 Answers
During the free highway period, there is no need to remove the ETC card when passing through the ETC lane, as no fees will be deducted. ETC Usage Precautions: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. If the vehicle in front stops, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to prevent automatic fee deduction for the vehicle ahead, which may occur if the front vehicle's ETC device malfunctions or lacks an ETC device. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and unsuccessful fee deduction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or if the ETC electronic tag falls off or becomes loose, will render the tag invalid. In such cases, the device can be taken to the bank where the ETC card was issued or to the highway service office for inspection. If the issue is not due to human interference, reactivation may suffice. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may cause fee deduction failure. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pay via cash or card.
I used to be conflicted about whether to remove the ETC card during free holiday expressway periods. After consulting toll station staff, I finally understood. There's actually no need to remove the card at all - the system automatically identifies exempt vehicles and won't deduct a single cent. In fact, removing the card can cause problems: if you forget to reinsert it, you'll have to use manual lanes next entry (wasting time in queues), and if you realize mid-journey the card's missing, you'll be charged for the full distance. Frequent card removal also risks loosening the slot and potential water damage during rain. Last National Day, I tried leaving the card in - the barrier lifted with a beep at the ETC lane, completely hassle-free. Remember: don't fiddle with that card for easier, safer travels.
Every year when driving home on the highway during the free toll period, my advice is: never remove your ETC card. I used to think pulling it out was safer, until one return trip when I forgot to reinsert it and got stopped at the entrance, requiring lengthy explanations. Now I understand: during free periods, the system is preset—ETC vehicles pass through without charges, making card removal completely unnecessary. Key benefits of keeping the card inserted: 1) Prevents device malfunction due to poor contact; 2) Avoids embarrassment of lost or forgotten cards; 3) Ensures you won't get charged full distance fees if sudden traffic delays extend into paid hours before you can reinsert the card. I carry a spare card for emergencies, but the primary one always stays in the device.
