What does it mean when the ETC tag is removed?

[StAndrew]

The ETC device has an anti-tamper switch inside. If the device is removed, it will stop working and needs to be reinstalled at a service center before it can be reactivated and used. ETC installation process: After receiving the device, first check whether the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly turn on. The OLED screen will display "Label 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 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.

[ODonovan]

I once removed the ETC tag when changing cars, which is quite common. Actually, 'ETC tag removed' means that small box on the windshield has been taken off, possibly because the car was being sold and transferred, the windshield was damaged and needed replacement, or the device malfunctioned and started flashing. When I tried removing it myself, I realized there's an anti-tamper switch on the back of the tag—once detached, the device automatically locks and becomes invalid. At that point, the ETC lane at toll stations won't lift the barrier. Later, when I went to the bank to reactivate it, the staff said I needed to bring my vehicle license and ID card. If the device was damaged, it would cost over 200 yuan to replace it. I recommend not forcing it off yourself; consult your local ETC service station first. Using a heat gun to soften the adhesive strip can prevent the windshield from cracking.

[SanMargaret]

As someone who frequently drives on highways, I've encountered the situation of ETC tag removal about two or three times. There are usually only three reasons for removing this tag: either the device is out of battery or malfunctioning and needs replacement, or it's due to a second-hand car transaction requiring the unbinding of the original owner, or the front windshield film installation necessitates its removal. The key point is that there's an anti-tamper sensor hidden at the bottom of the tag, which immediately deactivates once detached from the glass. Last month, when I helped a friend remove the tag for repairs, we found that his old device model was too outdated and had to be scrapped directly. It's advisable to take photos to record the device number before removal and bring the original owner's documents to the service point for processing. The best location for installing the new device is the black dotted area to the right of the interior rearview mirror, as this position offers the most stable signal reception.

[LorenzoDella]

Last time, the mechanic at the repair shop mentioned that removing the ETC tag seems simple but has its nuances. Common reasons for removal include a flickering device screen, aging battery with insufficient power, or the need to unbind it during vehicle transfer. During the actual operation, special attention is required: first, use a plastic pry tool to slowly peel it off—never use metal tools to avoid scratching the glass, and don’t rush by pulling it directly, as this could trigger the anti-tamper switch. I’ve seen cases where people didn’t handle the tag promptly after removal and only realized three months later that the device was completely unusable. After removal, remember to visit an ETC service center immediately for reactivation, which involves vehicle inspection, photo-taking, and a standard procedure—the whole process typically takes about twenty minutes.

[StRonan]

The ETC tag has been removed, which I understand means that square box on your car has been taken off. This usually happens in three scenarios: the device is out of battery and can't be recharged, requiring a replacement; the vehicle is being transferred and needs to be unbound; or the windshield is being repaired, necessitating removal. The biggest issue is that small button on the back—once it's more than 5mm away from the glass, it automatically locks and becomes ineffective. I once helped a colleague remove a tag and learned the hard way: pulling it off forcefully left adhesive residue from the base, and I had to use alcohol wipes to clean it off completely. My advice is to contact ETC customer service to request after-sales service. Many cities now support online appointments, and staff will come to your location with spare equipment for installation. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to remove it yourself haphazardly. Last time, I saw someone on a forum burn out the circuit board by not disconnecting the power first.