Should the ETC card be removed when not in use?

[LeCole]

It can be removed, but the ETC device will not function without it. According to the "Rules for the Use of Non-Stop Rapid Passage Systems," the ETC card must be inserted into the OBU (On-Board Unit) device for normal operation; otherwise, user information cannot be read. If the card is removed, you can use the manual lane and have the staff swipe the card for you. When the ETC card is inserted into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. Without the card, the device remains in sleep mode and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations, so you need to reinsert the card when needed. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, also known as the Automatic Road Toll System. It is a dedicated road toll method typically used on highways, toll bridges or tunnels, and certain urban road sections to alleviate traffic congestion. ETC Billing Principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks, allowing vehicles to pass toll stations without stopping. This operates on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and exhaust emissions by minimizing stops at toll booths. Cost-saving: Reduces vehicle wear and fuel consumption by decreasing frequent starts and stops. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic flow efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council, in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System," explicitly proposed "achieving intercity transportation card interoperability in key urban clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the adoption rate of ETC in vehicles." It also set a target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators for comprehensive transportation development during the 13th Five-Year Plan. Future possibilities: Beyond improving the convenience of ETC installation and increasing its adoption rate among passenger vehicles, future efforts will promote ETC usage for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and other smart transportation developments. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, indicating broader application scenarios for ETC.