Why is the ETC tag expired?
4 Answers
The reasons for the ETC card expiration may include self-removal or relocation of the OBU device, ETC power depletion, or detachment/loosening of the ETC electronic tag. Below are relevant details about ETC: 1. Installation position: Height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters. The installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the electronic tag surface and the horizontal plane). 2. Transaction position: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When encountering a stationary vehicle ahead, to prevent issues with the preceding vehicle's ETC device or absence of an ETC device, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to avoid automatic fee deduction for the preceding vehicle.
I remember once driving through a highway toll station, and the ETC lane just wouldn't lift the barrier. After struggling for a while, I was finally told that the tag had expired. Later, I realized that ETC tags are usually stuck on the windshield, with a small chip connected to a little card inside. The card typically has a validity period of several years, but once it expires, the system no longer recognizes me. This card is essentially like a supplementary credit card—if the primary card expires or the account balance is insufficient, the bank will automatically freeze the ETC function. I quickly called ETC customer service, and they told me to just visit a nearby service center to get a new card, which took only a few minutes. If not handled promptly, you'd have to stop and pay cash manually every time you pass a toll, wasting time and often leading to long queues. I recommend checking the tag status every few months—many apps can scan the code to check the expiration date, so you can prepare in advance and avoid being caught off guard.
The ETC tag is essentially a smart device that uses its built-in RFID chip to interact with toll station antennas, enabling automatic payment for seamless passage. Tag expiration often isn't just about card expiry, but more commonly due to required software updates or failed account verification. For instance, when new policies take effect, tags may display expired status if they haven't received online updates. I once encountered this issue when I forgot to update my information on the ETC platform after changing my phone number, which triggered an account lock. Simply downloading the official app and uploading ID photos to reactivate the account solved it, saving me a trip to the service center. While battery degradation in the tag itself can also cause failure, this is relatively rare - most cases stem from user oversight. The easiest approach is maintaining updated account information and regularly checking the tag's indicator light status.
I've been using this ETC tag for many years, but recently it stopped responding at highway toll booths. The toll collector said 'the tag has expired,' which really puzzled me—how could it expire? Later, my son looked it up and explained that ETC cards, like credit cards, have an expiration date, and you need to replace them once they pass that date. He took me to a service point to queue up for a new card, and the staff said the old tag could still be used—just the card needed replacing. If left unresolved, toll collectors might mistakenly think I'm evading fees and charge me extra unfairly. My advice to others facing similar issues: don’t panic, first visit a service point to clarify, bring all necessary documents, and get it done in one go to avoid unnecessary hassle.
