Can ETC be used without sticking it on the windshield?
3 Answers
ETC can be used without sticking it on the windshield. Installing ETC on the upper part of the windshield is to minimize obstruction of the driver's view and to ensure better recognition by the equipment at highway toll stations. If you don't want to install it on the windshield, try to place it in an open area where it can be seen through the windshield. For small cars, the ETC installation position is generally 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 no lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect microwave communication signals, 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, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase the driver's 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 solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it casually: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-tamper lever in. If the tag is removed casually, 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 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 issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front malfunctioning, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to prevent automatic payment for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. If a debit card is linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
I'm actually quite curious about the installation of ETC devices. They are designed to be attached to the windshield mainly because they rely on infrared signals to transmit toll information. If not properly attached, the signal can easily be blocked or interfered with by objects inside the car. For example, placing it on the dashboard might cause it to fail, and if the high-speed toll station can't detect it, you'll have to pay manually, which wastes a lot of time and effort. I once tried not sticking it firmly, and it fell off while driving, causing intermittent signals and even affecting safe driving. The correct approach is to wipe the glass with alcohol and firmly attach the device to ensure stable signals, avoiding unnecessary trouble. Long-term improper attachment may also accelerate battery consumption. Maintenance is simple—just regularly check the adhesive position to prevent loosening, which can save a lot of hassle.
After driving for so many years, I still believe that sticking the ETC device firmly on the windshield is the most reliable option. Placing it elsewhere, like in a pocket or casually on the dashboard, not only weakens the signal but also risks obstructing your view as it shifts around due to the car's movement. Once, my friend tried to save time by not sticking it properly, and the device malfunctioned while queuing at the toll station. He got stuck, had to redo the setup, which delayed the trip and added unnecessary stress. Properly attaching it ensures quick passage, avoids extra charges, and can be easily done by cleaning the windshield yourself—don’t cut corners and risk malfunctions. Plus, a securely fixed device won’t fall into seat gaps, saving you the hassle of bending down to retrieve it, making the whole setup more durable and hassle-free.
