Can ETC be installed on the black dotted area of the windshield?
2 Answers
The ETC device can be installed on 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 on the black dotted area has drawbacks, such as reduced solar charging capability, which may lead to the device running out of power over time. For small vehicles, the ETC is generally installed in the upper middle section of the windshield, while for large trucks and buses, it is installed in the lower middle section. The appropriate installation height is between 1.2 meters and 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. If the vehicle has or is later fitted with anti-explosion film, which may interfere with microwave signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window strip. Here are some considerations 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 steep incline, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with 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, avoid installing it on the black dotted area of the windshield or any location 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 the lever in. If removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. You would then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This feature prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent issues caused by the preceding vehicle's ETC device malfunction, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to avoid automatic payment for the preceding vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failed fee deductions due to inability to read the vehicle's device information. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
I've been driving for over a decade and installed ETC devices several times. The blackened area on the windshield—those small black dots along the edges—is specifically designed to conceal devices, making it perfectly suitable for ETC installation. However, positioning is crucial: the optimal spots are near or below the interior rearview mirror within the blackened zone to avoid obstructing the driver's view, as poor placement could compromise road safety. A friend of mine once carelessly installed it on the upper part of the black area, which blocked his vision and nearly caused an accident. Also, check the coating: if the black area has a metallic texture, it may interfere with the ETC's solar charging and signal reception—run your hand over it before installation to confirm it's smooth. Ensure the adhesive is firm by cleaning the glass thoroughly and pressing the device tightly to prevent loosening or falling off. In summary, the blackened area works, but prioritize safety-compliant positions that are maintenance-friendly and unobtrusive.
