What to Do If ETC Is Lost?
3 Answers
ETC card replacement method: The vehicle owner should bring their ID card, the original and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to the bank counter to handle the card change or replacement. The installation process for the ETC device 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. The red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag 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 stick 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. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device. ETC device activation method: Insert and remove the ETC card twice until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If "Tag 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 top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth directly. Turn on the phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually a download QR code is provided on the electronic tag). Enter the device activation interface. Click "Connect Device" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete activation.
Last time I lost my ETC card, I was so nervous that I immediately took out my phone to call customer service, reported the card number to freeze the account, and avoided unauthorized deductions. The replacement process went smoothly. I drove to the ETC service point or bank with my ID card, filled out a form to apply for a new card, usually paying a small fee, and got the new card activated in a couple of days. For temporary highway use, I had to pay in cash, which was a bit troublesome but safe. Daily advice is to stick an anti-loss tag on the card or bind it to an APP to monitor transactions. Overall, don’t panic, just follow the steps, and usually be more careful about where you place the card. ETC is actually a convenient tool, and losing it once reminded me to develop good habits.
Having driven for over a decade, I've experienced ETC card loss—the crucial first step is to report the loss by calling the official customer service hotline to deactivate the old card immediately. When reapplying, check nearby service points and prepare your ID documents; the process is quick, usually completed within half a day. The card replacement fee is low, but it's advisable to update your password promptly to prevent fraud. For temporary passage without a card, remember to use the manual lane and pay in cash—don’t cut in line and cause congestion. The lesson is to regularly check the card slot's security and ensure the card is in hand before long trips. Losing it isn’t a big issue if handled promptly—safety comes first.
