What does it mean when the ETC device shows 'Label Invalid'?
4 Answers
ETC displays 'Label Invalid' due to unauthorized removal or relocation of the OBU device, or the ETC electronic tag falling off or becoming loose. It 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 turn on, and the OLED screen will display 'Label Invalid' or 'Please Insert Card,' indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU adhesive 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 in succession until the electronic tag screen displays 'Bluetooth On.' If 'Label 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 the top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth directly. Turn on the 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 'Device Connection' and wait patiently for the 'Connection Successful' prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete activation.
The ETC tag in my car also showed as invalid a while ago, and it took me quite a while to fix it. The most common cause for this error is the device running out of power—after all, the built-in battery in an ETC usually lasts only three to five years. If a newly installed device suddenly fails, it’s likely due to improper installation, such as placing it on a metal-coated area of the windshield, which can block the signal. Last time I encountered this issue, I found that the card wasn’t inserted properly—poor contact with the metal connectors can also trigger an error. Additionally, sudden braking causing the device to fall or prolonged exposure to summer heat leading to circuit board detachment can cause physical damage. I recommend first trying a different toll lane to rule out temporary signal interference. If that doesn’t work, remove and reactivate the device—the manual includes reset instructions. If it’s left unused for a long time, remember to periodically insert the card to wake the device. If the problem persists, you’ll need to visit an ETC service center for inspection.
I'm all too familiar with ETC failure issues. The main culprits are device aging or physical damage – that tiny battery inside the tag gets weak over time and causes erratic behavior. Card problems are another headache: oxidized chips, improper insertion, or insufficient balance can all trigger false "tag failure" alerts. Once I encountered signal attenuation from aftermarket window tint – had to relocate the device for proper detection. If you get an error right after hitting a speed bump, vibration probably loosened the wiring. Pro tip: pull over, remove and firmly reinsert the card. Many self-service bank terminals now offer ETC reactivation functions. When washing your car, avoid rough contact with the device – those sensors are fragile. If DIY fixes fail, visit a service center immediately. Never pry open the casing yourself; you might damage the encrypted module.
ETC tag failure usually occurs under several circumstances. The most common reason is a dead battery, typically requiring replacement every two to three years. Poor contact or demagnetization of the card can also trigger errors—try removing and cleaning the metal contacts before reinserting. Sometimes, signal blockage occurs due to installation position, such as when metallic window films are applied. If the tag fails immediately after passing a toll station, it might be due to the antenna failing to detect it; driving a few hundred meters often resolves this automatically. When the system software freezes, removing the device and powering it off for half an hour can reset it. Also, check your bank card status, as overdue payments or frozen accounts may cause malfunctions. To maintain the device, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and recharge it monthly by inserting the card if unused for extended periods.
