Can ETC be attached to the black dots?
3 Answers
ETC devices can be installed on the black dots of the windshield, as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view and can sense the detection equipment of toll stations. However, installing them outside the black dots on the windshield also has drawbacks, as the solar charging capability of the ETC device may weaken, potentially leading to power depletion over time. Correct installation positions for ETC: For small vehicles such as cars and vans, the ETC card and OBU device should be installed on the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is on the lower middle part. ETC installation requirements: the height should not be lower than 1.2 meters or higher than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane). The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly illuminate. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and attach it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
I often use ETC for highway trips. I remember once trying to save time by sticking the device directly onto the small black dots on the windshield, but it started loosening and falling off within just two days. It almost flew off while driving on the highway, scaring me into pulling over to check. An experienced mechanic later explained that those black dots are frit dots—they have a rough, uneven surface and absorb light, making adhesive bonds weak and preventing solar charging, which drains the device's battery quickly. Worse, blocking the signal can cause toll stations to fail scanning your car, leading to extra hassle. Now I’ve learned to place it on a smooth, dot-free spot in the upper middle section of the windshield, wiping the area clean with a damp cloth before sticking. This way, it’s secure and worry-free, letting me drive with peace of mind.
I have some knowledge about automotive electronics, and installing ETC on those black dots is not ideal—these dots are ceramic frit areas with a rough texture, making it difficult for tape or adhesives to hold firmly. They can easily come off while driving, posing a safety risk. Additionally, they block too much light, which can lead to insufficient solar panel charging, causing the device to power down. The metal components in these areas may also interfere with signals. After testing different positions, I found that the best spot is the center top of the windshield, avoiding the black dots and metalized films. Before installation, clean the surface with alcohol to remove grease, ensuring a secure and reliable fit to prevent malfunctions on the road.
