What to do if the ETC barrier on the highway does not lift?
3 Answers
The solution when the ETC barrier on the highway does not lift is: follow the instructions of the toll station staff and switch to the manual lane for passage. ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) uses a dedicated short-range communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. It leverages computer networking technology to perform backend settlement processing with the bank, achieving the goal of allowing vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping when passing through toll stations. The installation method for ETC is as follows: 1. Check the ETC card and OBU (On-Board Unit) for any damage. Press the anti-tamper button on the OBU, and it will briefly light up. If the OLED screen displays 'Please insert card,' it indicates the device is functioning properly. 2. Clean the front windshield and ensure the glass surface is dry. Peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation position, pressing firmly for 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, placing the chip into the device.
When encountering a situation where the high-speed ETC barrier doesn't lift, I usually stop the vehicle first and avoid hastily reversing or rushing through to prevent damage or danger. I check if my ETC device is functioning properly, such as ensuring the car window isn't obstructed by sunshade film blocking the signal or if there's sufficient balance on the card. Often, the system might be experiencing a delay, so I look around for a self-service button to try manual operation. If that doesn't work, I quickly roll down the window to call the toll station staff, who can use a remote control to open the barrier. Stay calm, don't panic, and move back to a safe area while waiting for assistance. With over a decade of driving experience, I've seen this issue frequently—it's usually a temporary glitch or equipment problem. Afterwards, I recommend checking the ETC card and device at home, updating to the latest firmware to avoid similar bugs. For long highway trips, it's wise to keep extra funds on the card to minimize errors. Safety comes first; don't let minor issues affect your mood.
When encountering an ETC barrier that doesn't lift on the highway, the first thing is to park safely and avoid unnecessary movements, then quickly check the ETC device. Use your phone to scan the card's app to see if there's insufficient balance or weak signal—if so, recharge or restart the device promptly. Often, the issue stems from a poorly positioned antenna or signal interference; adjusting its placement might help. If that doesn't work, call for assistance—staff can usually remotely open the barrier. Avoid forcing through; patience pays off. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've learned these tricks: regular device maintenance, checking the card slot every six months, and cleaning dust to ensure system stability. In heavy traffic, I prepare by turning on the AC early or snacking to ease tension. Cultivating good habits minimizes issues. Afterwards, note the toll station name and report it to customer service to help improve the system. Driving requires flexibility—don't get stuck on minor frustrations.
