What does it mean when the ETC tag is removed?
3 Answers
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.
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.
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.
