What to Do If the ETC Falls Off Accidentally?
2 Answers
You need to take the ETC device and relevant materials to the bank and ask the staff to reinstall it. If the ETC device falls off accidentally, the small dot on it will pop out, causing the vehicle owner's information and data to be lost. The ETC will also lose its function of automatic toll collection. Precautions for Using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When the vehicle in front stops, to prevent the ETC device of the front vehicle from malfunctioning or not having an ETC device at all, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the front vehicle to avoid automatic sensing and paying the toll for the front vehicle. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, which will also result in toll deduction failure. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, detachment or loosening of the ETC electronic tag, etc., will cause the electronic tag to become invalid. It can be sent to the bank where the ETC card was issued or the highway service office for inspection. If the detachment or loosening is not caused by human factors, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also lead to toll deduction failure. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pass by cash or card. If the car's windshield is too thick, it may cause poor signal reception. This is especially important for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after an accident or for those who have modified their front windshields.
That time when I just got on the highway, I noticed the little ETC box had fallen off—it gave me a real scare! I quickly pulled over to pick it up and carefully checked that the casing and wires weren’t damaged. Then, I bought some strong double-sided tape at a gas station and reattached it firmly to the center of the windshield. If it had been completely lost or smashed, I would’ve had to immediately call the ETC issuing bank to report it and prevent misuse, then bring my ID and driver’s license to a highway service center for a free replacement—they’d get it done in half an hour. Temporarily not having ETC is no big deal; just use the manual lane at toll booths, take a ticket, and pay with cash or by scanning a code. ETC devices often fall off due to aging adhesive, so I recommend checking the tape every six months to see if it’s loose. My advice: avoid cheap glue to prevent it from falling off and affecting driving safety. That little ETC device is actually pretty important—dealing with it promptly if it falls off can save you a lot of hassle.
