What to Do If the ETC Device Falls Off?
3 Answers
ETC needs to be reinstalled and reactivated after falling off. 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, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device. Method to activate the ETC device: Insert and remove the ETC card twice in succession 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. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually with a download QR code on the electronic tag). Navigate to 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.
Oh no, an ETC device falling off is no small matter. The last time I encountered this situation was on the highway. Hearing the clatter of it dropping, I immediately turned on the right signal and pulled over to check if the device was still connected to the wiring, avoiding sudden braking that could cause an accident. After stopping, I turned off the engine and inspected the device for any visible damage. If there were no cracks, I tried sticking it back, but most ETC adhesives lose their stickiness once they fall off, requiring reapplication or contacting the service provider. I recommend directly calling the ETC customer service hotline, such as the 24-hour hotline of the bank where the ETC was issued, providing your license plate number for them to handle replacement or guide installation. Regularly check the ETC’s mounting position, choosing a dry spot on the windshield not too close to the edge, and reinforce it with specialized adhesive or double-sided tape to prevent it from shaking loose due to bumps. If the device fails to respond at a toll gate, use the manual lane and report it to avoid misunderstandings. In short, safety comes first—don’t just drive off, as it could affect your driving records.
As a frequent driver, I've found that the first step when the ETC device falls off is not to panic. After safely parking the car, observe the reason for the device falling off—it might be due to aging adhesive or improper installation. At this point, check the device's functionality by using your phone to check the ETC balance or testing it at a service area. If the battery is damaged or cracked, it can no longer be used. I usually contact the local ETC service center or highway management station, as they offer free replacement services. The process is simple—just bring your ID card and vehicle registration. When reinstalling, remember to choose a spot in the upper center of the windshield. Clean the surface and apply strong adhesive to secure it firmly, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent the glue from melting. For regular maintenance, I make it a habit to check the adhesive area every six months, removing dust to ensure stability. This approach not only restores the toll collection function but also prevents delayed charges due to device failure. If the device gets stuck in a car crevice after falling, avoid forcefully pulling it out—use professional tools instead.
