Can ETC be installed in the black dotted area?
4 Answers
ETC cannot be installed in the black dotted area. If it is pasted on the black area, the solar panel cannot receive sunlight and thus cannot charge. During installation, peel off the protective film of the fixed adhesive and attach it to the car's front windshield. ETC is an electronic toll collection system, specifically designed for toll roads, commonly seen on highways, bridges or tunnels with toll policies, and some sections of urban centers to alleviate traffic congestion. The installation method for ETC is: 1. Peel off the double-sided adhesive plastic film on the back of the ETC device and stick it to the position behind the rearview mirror on the upper part of the windshield; 2. Press firmly for about 10 seconds after sticking; 3. Insert the card into the ETC device and then pull it out, repeating this operation several times to complete the setup.
As a frequent highway driver, I've heard installation technicians emphasize many times during ETC device installation that it should never be mounted on the black dotted area of the windshield. Those small black dots are actually printed patterns primarily serving as anti-glare protection and adhesive preservation, but they can interfere with ETC signal transmission. Since ETC operates via radio waves, the dots may absorb or block signals, resulting in toll stations failing to recognize the device, the barrier not lifting, and wasted fuel from an unnecessary trip. I once tried installing near that area, only to experience repeated toll collection failures on the highway, forcing me to relocate it to the clean central top section of the glass where it adhered firmly without issues. I recommend carefully reviewing the manual before installation, choosing a flat, dot-free spot for mounting, preferably using the provided adhesive tape or magnetic fixation to ensure strong, stable signals and safe driving. Avoid the temptation to casually stick it on the dotted area for convenience. This common mistake is easy to make but quite troublesome.
As a regular user with a good understanding of automotive electronics, I know that ETC devices operate at around 5.8GHz and require an unobstructed signal path. However, the dotted black areas with uneven surfaces containing metallic elements may interfere with electromagnetic wave reception. After installation, the signal strength weakens, leading to reduced sensitivity at toll stations. Common issues include false failure reports or delayed responses. Many similar cases I've seen in online forums recommend avoiding those areas. The correct approach is to install it in the central transparent area at the top of the windshield, slightly away from the rearview mirror to ensure visibility isn't affected. Clean the glass surface with alcohol during installation to enhance adhesion. Don't underestimate the importance of placement—it directly impacts the ETC's lifespan and toll efficiency. If unsure, test the signal first before securing it permanently.
As a parent who drives my kids around, I believe the ETC installation location must be chosen carefully. Mounting it in the black dotted area is not a good idea, as those dots can cause poor adhesion, leading to the device loosening or falling off while driving, which distracts attention and compromises safety. More critically, signal interference is significant in that area, causing the ETC to struggle with signal reception, resulting in delays at toll booths and increased waiting time and risk. From my personal experience, selecting a smooth area at the top of the windshield, away from the dotted region, ensures stable device operation and allows for solar charging. Additionally, make sure the chosen spot doesn’t obstruct the driving view or interfere with interior aesthetics. Simply put, avoiding trouble starts with picking the right location from the beginning.
