Should the ETC card be taken out when not in use?
1 Answers
The ETC card can be taken out when not in use. If the ETC card is frequently left in the OBU device, there may be a risk of unauthorized transactions. Removing it significantly improves security. Since ETC cards are chip-based, frequent insertion and removal may affect the chip's sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the card only when it will not be used for an extended period. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road tolling system. It is specifically designed for toll roads and is commonly 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. The system uses microwave short-range communication between the vehicle's electronic tag (installed on the windshield) and the microwave antenna in the toll lane. This, combined with computer networking technology, enables seamless backend settlement with banks, allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. The principle is based on "pass first, deduct later." Benefits of Installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise and emissions by minimizing vehicle stops at toll booths. Cost and wear reduction: Saves fuel and reduces wear and tear by decreasing frequent starts and stops. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically process vehicles 2-3 times faster, making traditional ETC systems more advanced and efficient. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council's "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Integrated Transportation System" explicitly states goals such as achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing ETC adoption rates. The plan also sets a target of 50% ETC usage for passenger vehicles by 2020. Future possibilities: Beyond improving ETC convenience and passenger vehicle adoption, future efforts will focus on promoting ETC for trucks and exploring deeper integration with smart transportation initiatives like vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-infrastructure coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners and expand ETC application scenarios.
