Can ETC be installed in an all-black area?
3 Answers
ETC cannot be installed in an all-black area because it affects ETC charging. Precautions for using ETC are: 1. The ETC transaction sensing area is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, keep a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front; 2. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, which will result in a failed fee deduction; 3. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will also cause the fee deduction to fail. ETC is a dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane of the toll station. It uses computer networking technology to perform background settlement processing with the bank, achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay highway or bridge fees.
I've been driving for over a decade and often help friends install ETC devices. The completely black areas should not be used for installation, as they typically refer to the ceramic dots or black printed sections at the edge of the windshield, which are designed to hide adhesive but can severely block signals. ETC relies on radio frequency signals to connect with toll stations, and if installed there, it may completely fail to receive signals, leading to toll payment failures or requiring manual processing—how embarrassing! When installing, find a clean spot, preferably the transparent area behind the rearview mirror inside the car, ensuring no obstructions for strong signals and quick passage. Remember to clean the glass before attaching to avoid dust affecting adhesion, making the device more secure. Additionally, it's advisable to regularly check the adhesive condition, as heat or vibrations may loosen the tape—don’t overlook this detail, or it could cause bigger troubles on the road.
As a young car enthusiast who loves trendy gadgets, I tried installing my ETC in the black border area – a complete fail. Those fully black zones near the glass edges are meant for fixation and shading, but the material is too thick, blocking the ETC's wireless signals. Multiple toll collection failures cost me extra money and delays. After relocating it near the rearview mirror where the glass is clear, everything worked smoothly. A tip for newbies: Don’t prioritize convenience or aesthetics during installation—test the signal first and stick it on a flat, smooth spot. Also, check your car manual; some models have larger blackout zones to avoid. Pro tip: Test it on the highway after installation to ensure smooth operation and avoid reinstallation hassles later.
