Can ETC be used without sticking to the windshield?
1 Answers
ETC can be used without being attached to the windshield, as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view or interfere with signal reception. Installing ETC on the upper part of the windshield is to minimize obstruction of the driver's line of sight while ensuring better recognition by highway toll station equipment. If you prefer not to install it on the windshield, place it in an open area where it can still be seen through the windshield. For passenger cars, the recommended ETC installation position is generally in the upper-middle part of the front windshield horizontally. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is in the lower-middle part. 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. If the vehicle has a factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect microwave signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some ETC installation precautions: 1. Do not obstruct the driver's view; installing it behind the rearview mirror is ideal: Many car models have windshields with a steep rearward tilt, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing 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 on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or in positions that may block the solar panel. 3. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The adhesive pad in the middle has an anti-tamper rod connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses the anti-tamper rod in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the rod will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You would then need to visit an ETC service center to unlock it. This mechanism 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 ETC device malfunction, 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 km/h; driving too fast may result in failed reading of the vehicle's device information and unsuccessful payment. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
