What to Do If Your ETC Is Used by the Vehicle in Front
4 Answers
Solutions for when your ETC is used by the vehicle in front: To prevent your ETC from being used by others, you should slow down and drive cautiously when passing through the ETC lane to ensure the device can smoothly read the information and allow safe passage. Before passing, check the surrounding vehicles through the rearview mirror. If there is a vehicle in front, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters between your car and the one ahead to avoid the front vehicle using your ETC for payment. If your ETC is used by another vehicle, you can contact the toll station staff in such unexpected situations. After verification, the staff will allow you to pass. For vehicles that maliciously use others' ETC cards, the toll station will report their license plate numbers. If the toll fee is not repaid, these vehicles will be barred from driving on the highway next time.
In this situation, it's definitely because your ETC device has an excessive sensing range, causing your card to be accidentally scanned when the car in front passes through the toll station. You should immediately contact the ETC customer service center, such as by calling the service hotline or reporting the issue through the official app, to request a refund or transaction correction. When driving through toll stations, always maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters from the car in front to effectively avoid signal interference. If you accidentally get charged, check if your ETC device is installed too far forward on the windshield and adjust it to the recommended angle to reduce similar errors. With over a decade of driving experience, I can say such minor incidents are quite common. The key is to develop good habits, regularly check your account and verify charges to ensure you're not overcharged. Safety comes first on the highway—if you waste time and let it affect your mood, it's not worth it.
Seeing this question reminds me of a similar issue I encountered when I first started driving. First of all, don't panic. Immediately log in to the ETC service platform via your phone or call customer service to submit a detailed record and request a refund. At the same time, check if the device is installed correctly, such as ensuring the antenna faces outward to avoid false detection. Beginners often overlook details, but here's a handy tip: slow down proactively at toll stations, leave some space between you and the car in front, and don't follow too closely. If you frequently drive on highways, it's recommended to enable the self-service alert feature in the app for one-click reporting of anomalies, which is more efficient. Additionally, pay attention to update notifications pushed by the official WeChat account to avoid outdated equipment malfunctions. For safety, stay focused on driving and avoid distractions during payment. Simple handling can prevent losses, so there's no need to go to great lengths to visit a repair shop.
If the car in front scans your ETC card, don’t panic. Just contact the ETC customer service to dispute the charge and get your money back. My approach is to submit an online appeal via the app, uploading proof of the toll station’s time and location—it usually gets resolved within a week. Money-saving tip: Ensure the device is firmly attached to the windshield during installation to avoid loosening; or consider turning off automatic sensing occasionally and switching to manual payment. Though a bit more hassle, it’s more reliable, especially in urban areas. Regularly check your account to spot and fix issues promptly. In life, small savings add up, but safe driving matters more.
