Can ETC be installed on the black dots of the windshield?
3 Answers
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 detect the toll station's equipment. However, installing ETC on the black dots has a drawback: the solar charging capability of the ETC device may weaken, and over time, it might run out of power. 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 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. If the vehicle has or will have anti-explosion film installed, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some precautions for ETC installation: Do not obstruct the view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas of the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove it randomly once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the tag is removed randomly, 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 the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid paying for the vehicle in front due to its ETC device malfunction, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failed fee deduction. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause deduction failure.
I've been driving for years and dealt with many ETC installation issues. Actually, the black dots on the windshield are ceramic dot matrices, mainly serving to reduce glare and sunlight exposure, but they can interfere with ETC signal transmission. This is because ETC requires a clear line of sight to receive RF signals from highway toll stations, and the dotted area may obstruct signals causing misreads or failures. I recommend not installing it there—it's best to find a clean glass area above for installation, which won't affect driving visibility and ensures stable signals during each pass. Remember to clean the glass surface with alcohol before installation to ensure firm adhesion. If you encounter toll issues, promptly visit a professional shop for adjustment to avoid travel delays. This method has saved me a lot of hassle.
I recently installed an ETC device and was initially curious about whether it could be placed over the black dotted area. After some research, I learned that those dots contain special materials that can easily block the ETC's wireless signals, causing malfunctions. It's best to avoid them and choose a clean area in the center of the windshield or near the passenger side for installation. This ensures smooth signal transmission and accurate recognition at toll booths. When installing, I used the included double-sided tape to firmly attach it, and after several test runs, it worked perfectly. If you're unsure about the placement, there are many online video guides that can help you choose the right spot—very practical. Don’t underestimate this detail; picking the right location can save you from future hassles.
