Can ETC be installed at the black dot position?
3 Answers
ETC can be installed at the black dot position, as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view and can detect the toll station's sensing equipment. However, there are also drawbacks to installing it at the black dot area of the windshield—the solar charging capability of the ETC device may weaken, potentially leading to power depletion over time. The working principle of ETC involves dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted ETC electronic tag and the ETC microwave antenna at the toll station lane. This utilizes computer networking technology to process backend settlements with banks, enabling vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay fees.
Having driven for over a decade, I can confirm that installing ETC devices on the black dot areas is a bad idea. Those black dots at the top of the windshield are made of ceramic, designed to block sunlight, but they also interfere with radio frequency signals, causing unstable communication between ETC devices and toll stations. I learned this the hard way—initially installed it there for convenience, only to face frequent malfunctions at toll gates where the machine failed to recognize my device, forcing me to re-queue, waste time, and even incur extra charges. After relocating it to the clear area near the rearview mirror, the signal improved immediately. Now, I always recommend cleaning the glass with alcohol wipes before installation to ensure no grease or obstructions remain. Avoid the risk of installing on black dot areas, as signal interference can lead to a chain of troubles like travel delays or unexpected expenses—safety first when driving.
As a female driver who frequently travels long distances, I pay special attention to the reliability of the ETC installation location. Although the black dot area appears flat and easy to stick on, it poses a risk of signal interference, which may cause the ETC device to work intermittently. Once, I tried installing it there, and it failed twice at the toll booth. The toll booth staff warned me that the antenna signal was absorbed by the black dots, causing transmission and reception failures, which scared me into never being careless again. Since then, I have fixed the installation next to the rearview mirror in the center of the windshield, where there is open space without obstructions, ensuring strong signal reception and peace of mind. During routine maintenance, I also make sure to regularly check the adhesive strength of the ETC to prevent any shaking that might affect its functionality. Overall, avoiding the black dot area can reduce potential malfunctions and ensure smooth and worry-free trips every time.
