What to Do in Case of Illegal ETC Removal?
1 Answers
ETC is designed for dedicated use by default, and it comes with a protective device during installation—a push rod inside the adhesive position. Once the electronic tag is installed, it must not be removed without authorization. If removed, the anti-removal switch of the electronic tag will be triggered, causing the push rod to extend, rendering the ETC invalid. When passing through an ETC lane on the highway, it will display "OBU (On-Board Unit) illegally removed," preventing normal passage. Of course, some vehicle owners may not have removed the ETC card, but the detachment or loosening of the electronic tag may also trigger the anti-removal switch, leading to OBU failure. Reasons for the electronic tag becoming loose or detached include improper OBU installation, bumps or collisions while driving, excessive speed, or prolonged exposure to sunlight. If the OBU displays "illegally removed," don’t panic. The vehicle owner simply needs to visit an ETC customer service center or service outlet to have it reinstalled and reactivated. ETC users who enter the highway normally but receive prompts such as "illegal removal" or other abnormal messages may encounter the following issues: Before entering the toll station, ETC users should merge into the correct lane in advance and drive vertically into the ETC lane, keeping the speed below 20 km/h. Otherwise, the system may encounter errors while reading the tag. Improper use of the electronic tag can also lead to passage problems. If the ETC electronic tag becomes detached or loose due to personal movement or prolonged sun exposure, or if it is not properly affixed to the vehicle’s windshield, the tag may fail, preventing the system from automatically lifting the barrier. If the lane system displays a "U-turn" or "overtime vehicle" message, automatic deduction or card swiping for toll payment will not be possible, and the user must pay the toll in cash.