Can ETC be installed at the black dot position on the car?
3 Answers
The ETC device can be installed at the black dot position on the windshield, as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view and can detect the toll station's equipment. However, installing it at the black dot position on the windshield has a drawback: the solar charging capability of the ETC device may weaken, and over time, it might run out of power. The general installation position for ETC in small cars is the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is the lower middle part. The suitable installation position should be no lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect microwave communication signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Below are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a significant backward tilt, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it can increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror can help avoid obstructing the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-tamper lever in. If removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to avoid automatic payment for the front vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
I remember that installing the ETC device on the windshield is completely acceptable. It is generally recommended to install it on the upper area of the inner side of the windshield, preferably near the top center, as this ensures better signal reception, does not obstruct the view, and is less likely to be damaged by sunlight. Last time I installed it, I chose a spot next to the rearview mirror inside the car. The process was quite simple: first, clean the glass thoroughly to ensure there is no dust, then use the included double-sided tape to firmly secure it. Once it dries, it won’t loosen. However, avoid installing it near the steering wheel or at the bottom of the windshield, as metal components can interfere with the signal, or the adhesive may fail under high temperatures, causing the device to malfunction. If it’s not aligned properly, you’ll have to reinstall it, which can be quite troublesome. After installation, test it at a toll booth. If the green light doesn’t turn on, it might be a positioning issue, and you’ll need to adjust it. In short, finding the right position ensures stable ETC operation and makes driving through toll gates more convenient and time-saving.
Installing ETC on the windshield is fine, but the key is to choose the right spot: I prefer the middle area at the top of the interior, where the signal reception is best, and the installation steps are simple—clean the glass surface, peel off the adhesive tape, and press firmly for a few minutes. However, avoid placing it near metal edges or the wipers, as these areas may interfere with antenna reception, causing occasional lag or card recognition issues. A well-chosen position also protects the device from dust buildup and premature aging. I once installed it too low, obstructing my view while driving, which made me nervous until I repositioned it higher. After installation, regularly check if the adhesive is secure to prevent loosening from bumps—this way, it can last for years without issues.
