What does it mean when ETC expires?

[MacWalter]

ETC expiring means that the ETC electronic tag becomes invalid and cannot be used, which also includes situations where the ETC card expires and becomes unusable. Simply put, the reasons for ETC showing as expired may include self-disassembly or movement of the OBU device, ETC running out of power, or the ETC electronic tag falling off or becoming loose, all of which can cause ETC to expire and become invalid. More details are as follows: 1. ETC refers to the most advanced toll collection system currently used on highways, which processes deductions from the highway payment card inserted into the electronic tag and controls the automatic lifting of lane barriers. 2. In most cases, if ETC expires or becomes invalid, users are advised to take the ETC device and ETC card to a bank's ETC service outlet for inspection and replacement of the device. 3. ETC has been well-developed in China, and wherever ETC is installed, vehicles can pass through highway toll stations without stopping for automatic payment.

[Lilliana]

I remember last year when I was driving on the highway, I suddenly found that my ETC device wasn’t working. It turned out that the card had expired and couldn’t automatically deduct the fee. That time, I got stuck at the toll gate and had to pay in cash, which took a lot of time. Later, I went to the ETC service center and asked about it. They said the chip on the card has a fixed expiration date, similar to a credit card, to ensure security updates and prevent fraud or system failures. If you don’t replace it in time, you might run into problems every time you take the highway. Now, I regularly check the card’s expiration date or use a mobile app to monitor it, so I don’t have to learn the hard way again. Actually, the highway payment system upgrades every year, and old devices often can’t keep up. Getting a new one early is quite hassle-free.

[McErin]

I feel that an expired ETC is like the end of an item's service life—mainly because the security chip in the card has a preset expiration date. Once expired, the system will refuse to recognize it, and the automatic barrier won't lift when you drive through. The reasons behind this include preventing fraudulent use, aging data encryption, and device compatibility issues, especially since highway systems update their technology. After experiencing an expired ETC once, I immediately contacted my bank or used the ETC app to renew it. The process was quite simple—just bring your ID to a service outlet, and in most cases, the update is free. I recommend checking the small-print date on the card before driving to make it a habit and avoid unexpected delays on the road. High-speed travel relies on it, and a small oversight can easily turn into a hassle.

[StStephanie]

When I first bought my car, I didn't know that ETC could expire—I thought once installed, it would work forever. On the day I took the highway, the toll gate device didn't respond, and the staff told me the card had expired and needed replacement. That's when I learned ETC cards, like IDs or driver's licenses, have a specific validity period. Once expired, the system automatically cuts off the payment function to prevent security issues. After returning, I immediately went to the ETC service center and got a new card in just a few minutes. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the card's expiration date every year. Paying a little more attention before hitting the road can save you a lot of frustration.