Can ETC be installed without attaching it to the windshield?
2 Answers
ETC can be used without being attached to the windshield. Installing ETC on the upper part of the windshield is to minimize obstruction of the driver's view while ensuring better recognition by highway toll station equipment. If you prefer not to install it on the glass, place it in an open area where it can still be visible through the windshield. For small cars, the typical ETC installation position is in the upper middle section of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is installed in the middle-lower section. The suitable installation height 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 interfere with microwave signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some ETC installation precautions: 1. Avoid obstructing the driver's view; installing it behind the rearview mirror is ideal: Many car models have windshields with a steep incline, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Placing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side helps avoid blocking the view. 2. 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 windshield's shaded areas or positions that may block the solar panel. 3. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The adhesive's center button is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses this lever in. If removed, the lever pops out, triggering the switch and locking the device, requiring an ETC service center visit to unlock it. This feature prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device. ETC usage notes: - The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid issues caused by the preceding vehicle's faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of over 10 meters to prevent accidental toll payments for the car ahead. - The ETC lane recognition speed limit is 20 km/h. Exceeding this speed may result in failed transactions due to unreadable device information. - If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failures.
Actually, it's best to install the ETC device on the car's windshield, usually in the area near the rearview mirror. That location is specifically designed for smooth signal reception, as the toll booth antenna needs to directly scan the tag. The windshield has no metal obstructions, ensuring good signal penetration, resulting in fast and reliable readings when passing through toll stations. If you consider installing it elsewhere, such as on top of the dashboard, it might theoretically work, but in reality, dust accumulation or interference from the car's structure can cause signal attenuation, sometimes leading to read failures and requiring manual intervention, which is quite troublesome. Having long-term experience with in-car electronic devices, I recommend strictly following the installation position specified in the manual—don’t cut corners by relocating it. Also, ensure the adhesive is firmly applied to avoid detachment due to sun exposure. This position doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view, balancing both safety and efficiency.
