What does the removal of the car ETC tag mean?
3 Answers
Car ETC tag removal means the ETC card cannot be used normally. The reasons for this phenomenon include: the owner's ETC device OBU may have loosened or fallen off, the owner removed the OBU device causing the anti-tamper button on the back to pop up, or the device is faulty. In this case, the owner needs to go to the ETC business office where the service was originally processed to reactivate the ETC before it can resume normal operation. The ETC installation process is as follows: After receiving the device, first check whether the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, the red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Label Invalid" or "Please Insert Card", indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the glass surface is smooth, clean and dry. Then peel off the OBU adhesive backing film and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly with fingers 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 properly inserted into the OBU device.
Removing the car ETC tag is actually quite common, which means taking off that small ETC device from the vehicle. I usually use it for toll collection when driving on highways, but the last time I removed it was because I got a new car and had to sell the old one, so I needed to take it off. The tag is stuck on the windshield—carefully pry it off without damaging the glass, then unplug the connecting wire. Once the ETC is removed, automatic toll deduction stops, and manually paying at toll booths becomes a hassle. I suggest removing it early if the tag is damaged or the car is being transferred to prevent misuse by others, but don’t tamper with it recklessly—if the wiring gets messed up, it could affect driving safety, which would be a big loss. It’s best to have it done at a 4S shop or repair shop, as DIY attempts can sometimes be risky. In short, removal means physically detaching the device, but don’t forget to deactivate the service in the ETC app to avoid billing errors.
As someone who frequently deals with vehicles, I can tell you that removing a car ETC tag is the process of detaching this small toll collection device from the vehicle. Typically, it is glued to the corner of the windshield with a power cable connected to the car's system. When removing it, it's best to first soften the adhesive with a heat gun, then carefully peel it off to avoid cracking the glass or leaving residue. Why remove it? Usually, it's because the tag is malfunctioning and needs repair, or like when I repositioned it for a friend's car, moving it to another vehicle. After removal, the ETC can no longer automatically pay highway tolls, requiring manual cash or QR code payments at toll stations. I recommend turning off the vehicle's power before the operation to prevent short circuits and cleaning thoroughly afterward. If the tag malfunctions, such as charging incorrectly, removal allows for inspection or replacement, but don't attempt it without understanding the mechanics, as it can easily be damaged. The overall meaning is straightforward: removing a non-functional component.
