Should the ETC Card Be Kept Inserted All the Time?
3 Answers
The ETC card can be removed when not in use, but please note that it should not be pulled out during use, as this may cause the ETC system to malfunction. Precautions for ETC usage: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When encountering a stationary vehicle ahead, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to prevent automatic payment for the vehicle in front, in case its ETC device is faulty or non-existent. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to unsuccessful toll deduction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, or detachment/loosening of the ETC electronic tag, may cause the tag to become 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 detachment or loosening is not due to human interference, reactivation may suffice. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also result in toll deduction failure. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to proceed to a manual MTC lane and pay via cash or card. Poor signal reception may occur due to excessively thick car windshields. This is particularly relevant for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after accidents or for those with modified front windshields.
I usually use the ETC system when driving, and I think it's best to keep the card inserted in the OBU device. This is because automatic toll recognition only works when the card is inserted; otherwise, you'll have to manually queue and pay at the highway toll booth. I've always done it this way—it's hassle-free and quick. However, I don't keep it inserted all the time: if the car is parked for an extended period, like during a week-long business trip, I recommend removing the card and storing it in a cool place to prevent damage to the chip from high temperatures or vibrations, as well as to reduce excessive battery drain from the device. Additionally, removing the card adds an extra layer of security against theft, especially with the rise in car thefts these days. ETC cards have a long lifespan, but frequent insertion and removal might lead to poor contact, so it's important to regularly check if the card slot is clean. In short, keeping the card inserted ensures smooth daily commutes, while occasional removal helps with maintenance.
As a tech enthusiast, I understand how ETC works – the card must be inserted into the OBU to activate toll transactions. The card must be inserted during use; otherwise, the system cannot read the account information to complete the payment. This isn't mandatory: you can remove the card after parking to prevent accidental triggers, such as erroneous charges in a garage. I've also researched the risks of removing the card, including the OBU battery continuously draining in standby mode, which affects its lifespan, and prolonged insertion in high-temperature environments potentially accelerating aging. Therefore, my habit is to insert the card while driving and remove it when parking in the garage on weekends to maintain device health. The ETC card is designed reasonably, allowing easy insertion and removal without tools, but frequent handling may damage the contacts. It's recommended to clean them gently with a soft cloth. Proper operation makes driving more efficient.
