Why can ETC still be used after changing the license plate?
3 Answers
ETC cannot be used after changing the license plate because the ETC device stores the original vehicle information, and the ETC is uniquely linked to the original license plate. When using ETC, passage is only allowed if the ETC information matches the license plate and other details. The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly turn on. The OLED screen will display 'Tag Invalid, Insert Card,' indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line. Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution. Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
A few days ago, I got new license plates for my car, but the ETC still worked fine when passing through toll stations. I thought about it and realized it's probably the small device in the car that's doing the job. The ETC tag has a built-in chip that stores a unique identification code, and the system relies on scanning it to calculate the toll—it doesn’t even need to check the license plate number. So, even though the plates changed, the device stayed the same, and the ID code kept working, saving me the hassle of going through new procedures. This design is quite reasonable, reducing daily driving inconveniences. The only thing to watch out for is not to replace the device itself, otherwise, you’d have to reactivate the ETC service. Overall, the system is pretty smart and makes life easier.
It's perfectly normal to continue using ETC after changing the license plate. The ETC device installed in the car acts like an electronic ID card - the system recognizes the ID tag rather than the license plate information. Every time you pass through a toll station, the antenna scans the tag and the payment is processed automatically. From my electronics studies, I understand it was designed for device ID recognition to avoid reliance on license plates and prevent errors. When users change plates but keep the same device, the database matching allows seamless operation. Only if the device fails or gets replaced will it stop working. This concept emphasizes convenience, allowing us drivers to worry less and enjoy more. As long as the device functions properly, it can be used long-term.
