Why does it prompt that ETC has already been registered?

[RosalieAnn]

It indicates that this vehicle's license plate was previously used by someone else who registered an ETC. You need to go to the bank to cancel the previously registered ETC and replace it with your own. Below is relevant information about ETC: Definition: It is an automatic toll collection system for highways or bridges. Usage method: Through dedicated short-range communication between the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station, computer networking technology is used for backend settlement processing with the bank, enabling vehicles to pay highway or bridge tolls without stopping at the toll station.

[MacOscar]

I've encountered similar situations before. There are several possible reasons why the ETC system shows that it's already been processed. It could be that you applied for it yourself but forgot, such as when you got a new car and didn't cancel the old device. Alternatively, a family member might have applied for it on your behalf without informing you. Another possibility is that your information was fraudulently used by someone else. First, try to recall and check your phone for any previous application messages or transaction records. If you really can't remember, the most reliable method is to call the ETC customer service hotline at 95022, provide your ID card and license plate number, and ask them to check the binding records. If you find out that someone else has fraudulently used your information, quickly bring your documents to the bank to freeze the account, then go to an ETC service point to cancel it. This matter needs to be addressed promptly, as delaying it could affect your personal credit. Also, when canceling, remember to ask the staff to provide proof to avoid further trouble.

[KiraMarie]

A while ago, a relative encountered the same prompt when applying for an ETC. It turned out they had applied three years ago, but the device broke and they didn’t pay attention. Now, with the system upgrade, the old record still exists, showing as already registered. You can first check yourself: look through your bank statements for any ETC deduction records, log into the WeChat ETC mini-program to check application history, or directly visit the bank to print an ETC transaction list. If you confirm you’ve never applied but still see the prompt, it’s likely your license plate was mistakenly registered by someone else. In this case, don’t waste time online—just drive to a highway service point for the quickest resolution. I accompanied my relative there; with their ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate, the verification and unbinding took only ten minutes on-site. Remember, after unbinding, wait 24 hours for the system to update before reapplying—don’t rush to reapply the same day.

[OCamilla]

This alert commonly occurs with duplicate license plate registration. It could be that your old vehicle's ETC wasn't deactivated when you changed cars, and someone else purchased a vehicle using the original plate number. Alternatively, it might be a false alarm caused by system synchronization delays. Just last week, a neighbor in my community faced this situation. His solution was: first check the vehicle binding status in Alipay's ETC service. If it shows as activated, call the transportation service hotline 12328 to file a complaint. The processing cycle takes about three days, which is faster than going through bank channels. During this process, remember to keep records of your calls and the service ticket number. If you urgently need to use ETC, temporarily apply for a WeChat cardless ETC first, then switch back to the official card after the original plate is unbound. This method helps avoid incorrect highway toll deductions.