What does it mean when ETC shows 'Tag Invalid'?
2 Answers
ETC showing 'Tag Invalid' indicates that the device is currently unavailable and needs to be reinstalled and reactivated at the original processing point or any highway 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; a red light will briefly illuminate, and the OLED screen will display 'Tag Invalid' or 'Please Insert Card,' indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and attach it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front facing the driver and the back 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 the card twice without the electronic tag attached, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, press the button on top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth directly. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually a QR code for download is provided 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 the activation.
The ETC display shows 'tag invalid', which essentially means the ETC device isn't functioning properly, and you might not be able to automatically deduct fees at highway toll stations. I've encountered this situation several times, most commonly due to a depleted battery. Since the ETC tag has a built-in battery, it naturally runs out after prolonged use, causing signal recognition failure. A loose or damaged device can also trigger the invalid prompt, such as an unsecured card or a bumped casing. Another possibility is that the device has expired—just like license plates require annual inspections, ETC devices also need periodic activation and updates. If the system detects anomalies, such as signal interference or backend data issues, it may also display as invalid. It's recommended to first park your car in a safe place and check if the ETC card is secure, then try restarting the device. If that doesn't work, promptly visit a nearby ETC service point for assistance—they'll replace or reactivate it for free. For daily maintenance, it's advisable to test the ETC status by rolling down your window and scanning it monthly to avoid last-minute issues. This gadget is quite important for daily commutes, and delays could cost you extra time and money.
