What to Do If Your ETC License Plate Number Is Occupied?

[MilaRose]

If your ETC license plate is occupied, you can bring your ID card, vehicle license, and other documents to an ETC service outlet to consult with the staff. Generally, the staff will contact the previous owner through the database and ask them to cancel the ETC at the bank where it was originally registered. Alternatively, you can log in to the WeChat Mini Program "China ETC Service" and apply for "Release of Occupied License Plate." ETC Installation Process: 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 protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove 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.

[VonSienna]

A few days ago, my friend's license plate was also bound to someone else's ETC, which made him extremely anxious. He directly called the national ETC customer service hotline at 95022, reported his license plate number, and asked the operator to check the occupancy status. The customer service representative instructed him to upload photos of his ID card and vehicle registration on the WeChat mini-program 'China ETC Service.' After submitting the appeal, the binding was removed within three working days. If you encounter offline service points trying to evade responsibility, remember to insist on having them handle it—this is a car owner's right stipulated in the 'Regulations on the Administration of Toll Highways.' Additionally, it's recommended to regularly check the binding status by searching 'ETC' on Alipay, as there are now people specifically trading license plate information.

[LaLane]

I've handled several cases like this, and the key is to prove you're the actual vehicle owner. First, prepare photos of the front and back of your vehicle license, making sure to clearly capture the page with the Vehicle Identification Number using your phone. Then, open the 12123 APP and take a screenshot of the vehicle binding information page. Package these materials together and upload them through the official channels of the ETC issuer. Some have reported that ETCs processed through banks are handled faster, but remember not to use scalpers—they might expose your information again. During the processing period, if you use manual lanes, be sure to get receipts, as some provinces allow you to apply for toll compensation afterward.

[SanMicah]

Last week, I helped a neighbor deal with license plate occupation and found that there's no need to visit the service center. Just download the corresponding provincial ETC service app from the mobile app store, such as "Su Tong Card" for Jiangsu. After registration, find the "License Plate Occupation Appeal" entry. The key is to take a clear photo of the front of the car with the license plate visible. After uploading, the system will automatically compare it with the DMV records. Some new systems now allow real-time unbinding, completing the process in just five minutes. Afterwards, remember to change your ETC account password to prevent secondary misuse.

[CoreyLynn]

The essence of license plate occupation is an information leakage issue. I once discovered that a charging app had leaked my scanned vehicle license. The solution involves three steps: immediately freeze the original ETC account to prevent fraudulent charges, submit a video verification holding your ID card through the official WeChat public account, and finally obtain a vehicle ownership certificate from the traffic police department. If the occupation is malicious, you can file a complaint on the official website of the Cyberspace Administration's reporting center. Avoid scanning unknown ETC promotion codes in parking lots, as they may be used to steal information.

[AugustMarie]

Last year, my license plate was illegally used in Yunnan, and I later discovered significant differences in handling procedures across provinces. For instance, Shandong Expressway ETC requires in-person verification at service outlets, while Guangdong allows video authentication via the YueTongKa APP. The key is to identify the province where the other party registered, and filing a complaint through the local 12328 transportation hotline is most effective. For uncooperative issuers, directly report them under the "Unreasonable Charges" section on the National Government Service Platform, where specialists usually follow up within 24 hours. Remember, during the period of illegal usage, always use the far-right lane at toll stations—that’s the manual/ETC hybrid lane.