Install an Electronic Toll Collector

An electronic toll collector (ETC) allows you to drive on toll roads that do not accept cash, like the FasTrak express lanes or EZPass turnpikes. This wikiHow will show you how to set up and mount your ETC.

Steps

Mounting an ETC Tag

  1. Remove the toll collector from the packaging. This may take the form of a toll tag (such as those used in the United States) or the form of an ETC card (such as those used in Japan).
  2. Check the possible locations you can mount your toll tag. It is dangerous and illegal to wave your toll tag out the window or sunroof while driving in a toll lane. You must mount your toll tag correctly with it clearly visible.
    • You can mount your toll tag under or next to the driver's rear-view mirror or in the lower corners of the windshield.
    • Some toll tags can be mounted to the front license plate using screws.
    • You cannot place your toll tag on the dashboard or in the glove box or center console. The toll tag may not be read if you place it there.
  3. Spot-check the placement of your toll tag. The toll tag should ideally be oriented upward so it can easily be identified, and it should be in one of the possible toll tag locations.
  4. Clean the mounting area with isopropyl alcohol. This will ensure that the toll tag will stick well to the glass.
  5. Remove the adhesive on the toll tag. The toll tag may use velcro so it can be easily removed and re-added to the windshield as well as transferred between different vehicles.
  6. Apply the toll tag to the windshield. Place it in one of the possible locations and press firmly. Let it sit so the adhesive sticks well.
  7. Register your toll tag and vehicle with your toll account. Before you can use your toll tag to pay for tolls, you will need to register it online. While some toll agencies will send toll tags when you provide vehicle registration, others require you to associate your toll tag with your vehicle. This will also allow for your toll account to be charged if for some reason the toll tag fails to register.
  8. Confirm that your toll was accepted while driving through a toll lane. Some toll tags will provide an audible beep, while others will display their status on the toll reader's display.
    • You will be notified if you have a low balance or if you need your toll tag to be replaced.
    • A toll gate opening does not necessarily mean that your toll was accepted; you may get a violation notice if the toll was not paid.
    • If unsure, drive through the cash lane where you can pay your toll if your ETC was not accepted. If your ETC was accepted, you will see "VALID ETC" or "TOLL PAID" or similar on the information display.

Installing an ETC Card

  1. Ensure that you have an ETC card reader installed. You may need to get an auto mechanic to fit one in your vehicle. Some may come preinstalled in a vehicle, while others need to be mounted to your dashboard or windshield.
  2. Register your ETC card and vehicle with your toll account. Before you can use your ETC card to pay for tolls, you will need to register it online. While some toll agencies will send ETC cards when you provide vehicle registration, others require you to associate your ETC card with your vehicle. This will also allow for your toll account to be charged if for some reason the ETC card fails to register.
  3. Insert the card into the slot. Make sure that the chip faces inside and that the card is not upside down. If the card is installed correctly, you will get a confirmation message.
    • If the card is not installed correctly, you will get an error message. Remove the card and try again.
  4. Confirm that your toll was accepted while driving through a toll lane. Some ETC card readers will provide an audible beep or voice prompt, while others will display their status on the toll reader's display.
    • You will be notified if you have a low balance or if you need your ETC card to be replaced.
    • A toll gate opening does not necessarily mean that your toll was accepted; you may get a violation notice if the toll was not paid.
    • If unsure, drive through the cash lane where you can pay your toll if your ETC was not accepted. If your ETC was accepted, you will see "VALID ETC" or "TOLL PAID" or similar on the information display.
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Install_an_Electronic_Toll_Collector&oldid=301096"