What to do with ETC after a car is scrapped?

[EliasAnn]

After a car is scrapped, the solution for ETC is: the car owner should bring their ID card, vehicle license, ETC card, and OBU device to the ETC customer service center to handle the removal procedure. Then, with the removal certificate issued by the ETC customer service center, they can go to the contracted bank to cancel the service. ETC, also known as Electronic Toll Collection, is a system that allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping. It uses onboard equipment to identify the vehicle, record information, and automatically deduct the corresponding fee from a pre-bound IC card or bank account. It is an electronic toll collection system used for roads, bridges, and tunnels. With ETC, passing vehicles can be automatically identified and charged without stopping at the toll gate.

[Gatsby]

On the day my car was scrapped, I specifically called the ETC customer service. Remember to first remove the card and device from the old car, then bring your ID card and a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to a bank branch or ETC service point to deactivate it. If they have the vehicle scrapping proof in their system, they can unbind it for you. If there are any unpaid toll fees, you need to settle them, otherwise it will affect the application for a new device. When I was handling it, I also asked if I could keep the original number, and the customer service said it could be transferred, but there would be a fee of several dozen yuan for device migration. The cancellation process took about half an hour, and I was specifically reminded to have the bank cancel the automatic deduction function of the bank card originally bound to the ETC. Additionally, when the scrapyard dismantles the car, the device cannot be discarded randomly because it contains a personal information chip and must be handed over to professionals for disposal.

[AnnaAnn]

Just dealt with the ETC for my scrapped car last month, sharing some tips. When removing the device, don’t force it—just press the connector gently behind the rearview mirror on the windshield, and it’ll come off easily. After contacting the ETC hotline, they’ll send a text with the cancellation process. I chose the online method: logged into the official website, uploaded photos of the scrappage certificate, and got the unbinding confirmation letter in three days. If you linked a credit card, just report it lost and get a replacement—it’s the quickest way. For a debit card, remember to cancel the auto-debit agreement at the bank counter. Don’t throw the device away—the metal casing can be recycled. Under the new rules, you can even transfer the old device to a new car, but it needs reactivation. However, since old devices tend to be slow, I’d recommend getting a new one for better reliability.

[MelanieRose]

The most common pitfall when handling scrapped vehicle ETC is forgetting to unbind the associated account. Last time, my neighbor didn't unbind their bank card and got overcharged more than 200 yuan in toll fees half a year later. The process actually has three steps: complete the deregistration procedures at the vehicle management office and obtain the recycling certificate, then bring the device to the ETC service center to cancel the account. Staff will physically destroy the old card on the spot to prevent information leakage. If you plan to get a new car, it's recommended to keep the device number to avoid hassle. For those using Alipay ETC services, the easiest way is to apply for account unbinding directly in the mini-program. For offline processing, remember to ask for a service acceptance receipt. For bank deductions, you'll need to visit the bank counter specifically, as automatic renewal agreements are the most easily overlooked hidden clauses.

[StJameson]

Personal experience tells you that the ETC device is bound to the vehicle. When scrapping the car, first go to the DMV to get the vehicle cancellation form—this is very important, as the ETC center won’t process it without this document. Don’t leave the device in the car; used car dealers won’t take responsibility for it. Cancellation requires three items: the owner’s original ID card, a bank card, and the square OBU device. At the service center, I saw someone who forgot the device and had to make a wasted trip. Staff will check the device’s status, and any unpaid fees must be settled on the spot to avoid affecting your credit. It’s advisable to check your ETC bill before scrapping the car, as highway charges may update with a delay to avoid missing any fees. Some cities now offer mobile processing, but out-of-town devices still need to be handled at the original registration point.