What to Do If the Car ETC Falls Off?
4 Answers
If the ETC falls off, it cannot be used anymore. You need to bring the original vehicle, the ETC device, and the bound bank card to the ETC device installation location to reactivate the device. The ETC installation process is as follows: 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 "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the protective film on the back 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, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
If your ETC device falls off, don't panic! First, park your car in a safe place, such as a service area or roadside safety zone, and check if the device is damaged. If it's intact, you can use strong glue or specialized double-sided tape to reattach it to its original position—cleaning the windshield beforehand ensures better adhesion. Never risk handling it while parked on the highway; safety comes first. Afterward, it's advisable to drive to an ETC service point or a partner bank to have them verify the installation's stability and confirm there are no erroneous deductions from your account. I've encountered this issue a few times, mainly due to adhesive aging or rough road conditions. Regularly inspect the adhesive to avoid regrets when it completely detaches. Additionally, if the ETC malfunctions at a highway entrance, you'll need to manually take a card for passage, which not only wastes time but also risks being photographed and penalized. For quick fixes, always consult professionals.
The ETC device fell off once when my kid was playing with it. On the highway, the light was on but the barrier wouldn't lift, so I pulled over to check and found it loose. Luckily it wasn't damaged—I just used the tape from my car to stick it back temporarily, though it didn't last long. Back home, my wife and I cleaned the windshield with alcohol, applied new ETC-specific adhesive, pressed firmly, and let it dry for a day. I recommend choosing a stable spot to mount it, avoiding vibration-prone areas. If it's damaged after falling, call ETC customer service to freeze the account to prevent unexpected toll charges. Applying for a replacement is easy—just fill out a form and mail it in. Also, regularly check if the card slot is loose to avoid hassles. Neglecting small issues like this can lead to bigger problems later.
If your ETC device falls off, you can easily fix it yourself with a simple solution. First, check if the device is still functional. Then, use double-sided tape or 3M adhesive to reattach it to the windshield—make sure the surface is clean and dry before pressing firmly for a few seconds. If the adhesive isn’t strong enough, temporarily secure it with a rubber band to prevent it from falling off while driving. Later, visit a repair shop for a free inspection of the installation strength. Don’t worry about your account—falling off won’t affect deductions, but leaving it unattended for too long may pose risks. I’ve tried this method, and a quick fix is the most hassle-free solution.
