Should the ETC card in the car be removed when not in use?
3 Answers
The ETC card 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 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. When inserting the ETC card into the OBU device, a prompt sound will indicate that the device is activated. Without the card, the device remains in a dormant state and cannot recognize vehicle information at toll stations. Simply insert the card when needed. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, also known as an automatic road toll system. It is specifically designed for toll roads and is commonly used on highways, bridges or tunnels with toll policies, 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's windshield-mounted electronic tag and the microwave antenna in the toll station's ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with banks in the background. This allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, all based 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 allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. 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 Comprehensive Transportation System" explicitly states the goal of "achieving interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters by 2020 and significantly increasing the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC." It also sets a target of "50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators of comprehensive transportation development during the 13th Five-Year Plan. Future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, efforts will be made to promote ETC use for trucks and explore deeper integration of the ETC system with smart transportation directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-road coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for car owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC.
As a young person who drives every day, I rely entirely on my car for commuting to and from work. My ETC card is stuck on the windshield and never moved. Leaving it in place actually saves hassle—just swipe and go at toll booths, super convenient. Frequently removing and inserting the card can damage the plastic casing or internal contacts, making repairs more troublesome later. Plus, ETC devices consume very little power, around 0.1 watts, and can recharge automatically via sunlight, so their environmental impact is minimal. Unless I’m parking the car for, say, two months—like when traveling—I’ll remove it and store it in the glovebox to preserve the battery. But for daily use, keeping it in place is the safest bet—no need to create unnecessary work for yourself.
I pay attention to life details, just like setting my phone to power-saving mode, and I also take good care of the ETC card in my car. Generally, its power consumption is negligible, and it's fine to leave it in when not in use. However, if the car is parked in the garage for a long time without being driven, I will unplug it to prevent the battery from draining quietly. This not only extends the device's lifespan but is also a bit more eco-friendly, as small savings add up. But on days when driving is frequent, don't mess with it—unplugging it might lead to forgetting to plug it back in, causing delays the next time you hit the highway. It's best to decide based on your driving habits: unplug it if parked for over a week, otherwise, don't bother. A simple little adjustment can balance efficiency and maintenance.
