Can ETC be installed on the black dots?

[LydiaLee]

ETC devices can be installed on the black dots of the windshield, as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view and can sense the detection equipment of the toll station. However, installing them on the black dots of the windshield also has drawbacks, namely that the solar charging capability of the ETC device may weaken, and over time, it might run out of power. For small cars, the general installation position for ETC is in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is in 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 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it's best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt angle, 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 built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and positions that might block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the tag is 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. When using ETC, note that: the ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the wrong vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and cause payment failure. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance can also lead to payment failure.

[DelEthan]

My own car's ETC is installed right on the black dotted area of the windshield, directly above the rearview mirror. It doesn't obstruct the view at all while driving, and I usually don't even notice it—very hassle-free. However, during installation, you need to clean the adhesive surface of that black dotted area with alcohol first, then firmly attach the device and press it down securely. Otherwise, it might fall off during long-distance trips. I once tried attaching it without cleaning properly, and it came loose the next day when passing through the highway toll. I had to redo it later to make it stable. In terms of signal, most toll stations can detect it smoothly because that black dotted area is specially treated for signal penetration without issues. If your car has heat-insulating film or other metal decorations, it's advisable to avoid spots that might interfere with the signal. Overall, it's simple and easy to operate, saving you the trouble of queuing to pay tolls.

[ChloeLee]

From a signal transmission perspective, mounting the ETC device in that black dot area is quite reasonable. The dot matrix design is primarily decorative and for sunshading, and won't interfere with radio wave frequencies like 5.8GHz transmission, allowing the device's antenna to freely send and receive signals. During installation, the position should be centered near the rearview mirror to ensure proper antenna orientation for easy sensor detection. Avoid overly offset locations or areas with metal to prevent signal absorption. The device usually comes with adhesive, and temperature changes have minimal impact after installation - while the black area absorbs heat, it has no issue with high-temperature resistance. If encountering weak signals, manually adjust the device angle, but the manual typically recommends the black dot area as the most suitable to avoid rework. In short, with the correct positioning, it operates very efficiently.

[CourtneyRose]

For safety, installing the ETC in the black dot area is feasible, but the installation must be secure. Position it farther from the driver's line of sight to avoid distractions while driving. If the device is not firmly attached, it may fall off on bumpy roads, potentially shattering the glass or affecting driving. It is recommended to clean the windshield before pressing the adhesive patch firmly to ensure a successful one-time installation. Poor signal may lead to failed deductions; while the black dot area is generally good, metal or thick films in the car may cause interference. It's best to test the signal before finalizing the installation to avoid delays. Any modifications should be done cautiously, prioritizing driving safety over convenience in placement.