Can ETC be installed by oneself?
3 Answers
ETC cannot be installed by oneself, because the ETC device needs to record vehicle information, model, etc., and must be installed and activated by staff before it can be used normally. The installation process of the ETC device is as follows: After receiving the device, first check whether 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 light up. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" and "Please Insert Card," indicating that the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield to ensure the glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing film of the OBU and stick 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. ETC installation positions: For small vehicles such as cars and minivans, 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 be no less than 1.2 meters and no more 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).
You can definitely install ETC by yourself. I managed to do it myself a few years ago! The process is quite simple. After purchasing the device, first choose a suitable spot on the windshield, usually near the rearview mirror, where it won’t obstruct your view. Use the provided double-sided tape to secure it firmly, ensuring the adhesive is strong enough—otherwise, it might fall off due to vibrations while driving, which is dangerous. Next, connect the power cable, typically by plugging it into the cigarette lighter or OBD port, but don’t pull it forcefully. The activation part is now convenient; just scan the QR code with a WeChat mini-program to register your license plate—no need to visit the bank. The whole process takes about twenty minutes, saving you around a hundred bucks in installation fees, and you can enjoy free highway toll services. The key is to be careful with the placement to avoid misalignment and test whether it can pass through the toll booth sensors normally to prevent future hassles. Beginners can just watch a video tutorial, and it’s a piece of cake.
From a safety perspective, I recommend being cautious when self-installing an ETC device. It should be fixed in the area behind the rearview mirror on the windshield, but the position must be chosen correctly—not too high to obstruct the driver's view. When installing it yourself, use double-sided tape to secure it firmly. However, high temperatures or bumpy roads may cause the adhesive to fail and the device to detach, potentially creating a safety hazard, such as flying off during an accident and causing injury. Some regions also have regulations requiring professional installation to ensure the device is securely and reliably fixed. While saving money is an advantage, there are many risks, such as improper installation leading to device damage or malfunction, which could result in higher repair costs. It's better to first check local regulations, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide whether to pay for professional installation—safety should always come first.
