Can ETC be used without placing it on the windshield?

[RebeccaMarie]

ETC can be used without being attached to the windshield. Installing the ETC on the upper part of the windshield is intended to minimize obstruction of the driver's view while ensuring better recognition by the equipment at highway toll stations. If you prefer not to install it on the windshield, it should be placed in an open area where it can be clearly seen through the windshield. For small cars, the typical ETC installation position is in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is installed in the lower middle part. The suitable installation position should be at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. If the vehicle has a built-in 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 considerations for installing ETC: 1. Avoid obstructing the view; installing it behind the rearview mirror is ideal: Many car models have windshields with a steep rearward angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase the driver's blind spots. Placing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help avoid obstructing 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, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. 3. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: The adhesive backing has a button with an anti-removal rod connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses the anti-removal rod in. If the tag is removed, the rod will pop out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This feature is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing the same device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid issues caused by a malfunctioning ETC device in the vehicle ahead, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to prevent automatic payment for the preceding vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h; exceeding this speed may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.