Can ETC be installed in the black area of the car's front windshield?
3 Answers
The ETC device can be installed in the black dotted area of the windshield, as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view and can detect the toll station's scanning equipment. However, installing it in the black dotted area of the windshield has drawbacks, such as reduced solar charging capability of the ETC device, which may lead to power depletion over time. For small cars, the ETC is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is in the middle-lower section. The appropriate installation position should be no lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket anti-explosion film, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so it should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. Here are the precautions for ETC installation: Avoid obstructing the driver's view—installing it behind the rearview mirror is ideal: Many car models have windshields with a steep rearward angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If the ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help avoid blocking the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require manual charging or battery replacement, as it has a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it in the black area of the windshield or any position that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The adhesive button in the middle is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses this lever in. If removed carelessly, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the ETC tag and rendering it unusable. You would then need to visit an ETC service center to unlock it. This mechanism prevents multiple vehicles from sharing a single device. ETC usage tips: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid accidental payments for the vehicle ahead due to ETC malfunction, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the preceding car. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h—exceeding this speed may result in failed transactions. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failures.
I've encountered quite a few customers asking about this issue. Honestly, it's not recommended to install the ETC device on the blackened area of the windshield. That black ceramic coating is originally designed for sunshade purposes, but its metallic components can interfere with signal reception. Just last week, a car owner told me his device kept failing to register at toll gates after installation there - moving it to the glass behind the rearview mirror immediately solved the problem. Remember these installation tips: the device must be vertically mounted without looseness, the solar panel should face outward, the position shouldn't obstruct visibility, and avoid areas with heating wires. It's best to firmly attach it using the original double-sided tape in one attempt, as frequent detachment requiring reactivation can be quite troublesome.
Last month while driving on the highway, I noticed my ETC suddenly became unresponsive, so I specifically went to a service point for consultation. The technician said the issue was with its placement on the black border of the windshield, as the metal coating could interfere with the signal. Now I always recommend installing it 5 centimeters behind the rearview mirror—that area is both transparent and close to the toll station antenna. When installing, first clean the glass thoroughly, then press firmly for 30 seconds without moving it. Remember, the device shouldn't be removed casually; if the anti-tamper switch on the back pops out, it becomes invalid. Although the black area might seem like a discreet spot, it's actually an installation mistake—nothing's more frustrating than weak signals when you're in a hurry.
