What does ETC display label detachment mean?
4 Answers
ETC display label detachment means the device is currently unavailable and needs to be reinstalled and reactivated at the original processing point or any expressway ETC service center. The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly illuminate. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device. ETC activation method: Insert and remove the ETC card twice consecutively until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If "Tag Invalid" appears when inserting and removing twice without the electronic tag attached, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, press the button on the top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth directly. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually with a download QR code on the electronic tag), then enter the device activation interface. Click "Connect Device" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete activation.
Last time I was on the highway, my ETC displayed 'tag removal'—it was actually just the little box on the windshield coming loose. There's a rubber button on the back pressing against the glass; if the adhesive ages or bumps make it lift, the button pops out and the system thinks you've removed the device. If you see this alert, press the device firmly back in place immediately, but don't try to peel and re-stick it yourself—it can trigger an anti-tamper lock. I once tried to save money by using 3M tape to reattach it myself, but after a few days in the sun, it loosened again, and I had to go to the bank to reactivate it. The worst part is getting stopped at toll booths, having to take a manual ticket, queue up to pay the toll, and waste time.
I've researched ETC devices, and the detachment alarm is triggered by a dual protection mechanism. First, there's the physical anti-tamper switch displacement – when the small spring plate at the bottom of the device pops up, it sends a signal. Second, if the device can't detect the metal layer on the windshield, the signal will be interrupted. Many car owners don't realize that applying dark window film can also cause this issue, as metallic films can block the signal. Last time when helping my neighbor troubleshoot, I discovered that long-term parking in underground garages led to insufficient solar power supply for the device, causing the system to mistakenly interpret it as a detached state. In such cases, simply plugging in a charger for half an hour can restore it, which is much more convenient than visiting a service center.
Driving experience summary after more than ten years: ETC tag detachment falls into three scenarios. The most common is the adhesive melting under summer sun exposure causing the device to fall off. In this case, never stick it back directly - first check if the green light is still on. If the green light flashes, it means it's not locked; just press firmly for 20 seconds to reboot. A constantly lit red light indicates trouble - you'll need to drive to the bank with your ID card for service. Once my device got deformed from sun exposure with loose clips, couldn't raise the barrier at the toll gate, horns blaring behind me. Ended up reversing to switch to manual lane, nearly causing a rear-end collision.
