Safety and Awareness
Important warnings and safety information for ETC card and device usage on Japan's toll roads.
ETC Usage Warnings To Be Aware Of
Please read these important safety guidelines to ensure safe and trouble-free use of your ETC card on Japan's highways.
Drive Through ETC Lanes at Speeds Below 20 km/h
The barrier set up on ETC lanes may not open if communication between the in-vehicle device and antenna does not take place appropriately.
Please slow down (below 20km/h) so that you can stop safely at any time until the barrier opens and proceed only after confirming that the barrier has opened.
Important: Barriers may not be activated if the ETC card is not inserted into the in-vehicle device, or if the card is not inserted completely, or if the card is inserted immediately before the toll gate.
Please Maintain Ample Distance With Other Vehicles In The ETC Lane
Please maintain ample distance between vehicles in the ETC lane since the vehicle in front may stop for some reason.
Why vehicles might stop:
- • Card not inserted correctly
- • Communication error with antenna
- • Expired ETC card
- • Barrier malfunction
Please Be Sure To Insert ETC Card Correctly
The majority of cases in which barriers are not activated are caused by failure to insert cards into the in-vehicle device or incorrectly inserted cards.
Having inserted the card into the in-vehicle device, please make sure that the device is working correctly.
Important: Inserting or removing cards while driving is dangerous.
Warning: Never insert or remove cards while driving.
Cards Have Expiration Dates
As with credit cards, ETC cards also have expiration dates.
Please note that expired cards cannot be used.
1. When cards with "highway card/advanced payment" balance management services expire, the card balance will be transferred to the new card.
2. Normally, a new ETC card is issued before the old card expires. Be sure to check the expiration date before driving.
Make Sure In-Vehicle Devices Are Fitted Correctly
Installation of the in-vehicle device requires specialized skills and knowledge.
Be sure to follow the instructions provided in the installation manual that comes with the product.
Important: If the in-vehicle device is not installed as instructed, the manufacturer will not warranty any damage or malfunction. Improper installation is a violation of ETC system usage regulations.
Please Do Not Leave Your ETC Card Inside The Car
ETC cards are a type of credit card. Please remove the card from the in-vehicle device when leaving your vehicle unattended and carry it with you at all times to prevent crime.
Cards may become unusable if exposed to heat.
If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen:
Contact JapanETCcard immediately. You are liable for any charges that occur on your ETC Card.
We can place a hold on your card until you locate it, or deactivate and re-issue a new one.
Card Care & Handling
❌ DON'T
- Leave in direct sunlight
- Expose to extreme heat (car dashboard)
- Bend or flex the card
- Place near magnets or phones
- Get the IC chip wet
✓ DO
- Store in a protective case
- Keep in cool, dry place
- Remove from OBU when parked
- Check expiration date regularly
- Report lost cards immediately
Emergency Contact
If you experience any issues with your ETC card or need to report it lost/stolen: