The method and device for identifying running vehicle image may be used in toll gate of expressway and highway, entrance guard, safe guard, city traffic and other fields. By means of robot vision technology, image compression technology, contact and non-contact card read/write technology, and automatic vehicle license plate distinguishing technology, the present invention realizes vehicle identity confirming and raises passing vehicle managing efficiency. The device includes passing card, passing card read/write device, main controlling computer, image acquisition card, video unit, light compensating lighting unit, display and vehicle managing center database server. The method and device of the present invention can identify vehicles accurately and has real-time operation, opening system, convenient use, high performance/cost ratio and other advantages.