What is the reason for the beeping sound when driving with ETC in the city?
2 Answers
ETC uses radio frequency for identification. It is possible that similar signals are being emitted from places like bus stations, causing the beeping sound. If the ETC device keeps beeping, it indicates an abnormality in the device, and it is best to have ETC staff check the equipment. The ETC system operates through wireless communication and information exchange between the onboard unit installed in the vehicle and the antenna installed at the toll station lane. It mainly consists of an automatic vehicle identification system, a central management system, and other auxiliary facilities. The automatic vehicle identification system includes the onboard unit (also known as a transponder or electronic tag), roadside unit (RSU), loop sensors, etc. The advantages of using ETC are as follows: High efficiency at toll stations: The biggest advantage of ETC is its high efficiency. Generally, the speed or efficiency of an ETC lane is about five times that of a manual toll lane. Normally, it takes about 14 seconds on average to pass through a toll station, but with ETC, you just need to brake slightly and slow down a bit, taking about three seconds. Reduced waiting time and no need to take a card: When driving on highways or passing through ramps, it significantly reduces waiting time, and you don’t have to worry about having cash or being unable to reach the card when stopping. If you apply for ETC at a professional service point, it costs about 200 to 400 RMB, and a card reader will be installed on your windshield.
I once encountered the issue of my ETC beeping constantly while driving in the city, which is usually caused by minor malfunctions in the device. The most common reason is insufficient battery power in the OBU unit, leading to self-check failures and triggering alarms during operation. Another possibility is a loose device that has shifted from its original position on the windshield, causing false alerts. Additionally, sometimes it's due to system software bugs, especially compatibility issues after updates, or signal interference from strong magnetic fields affecting ETC signal reception. Personally, I recommend first checking if the device is securely mounted, then trying to restart the OBU. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to visit a service center for professional diagnosis. Regular maintenance can prevent these annoying beeps—after all, frequent beeping in city traffic can be distracting and compromise driving safety.