Can ETC Device Be Installed Without Sticking to the Windshield?
3 Answers
ETC can be used without sticking to 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 position where it can still 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, the installation position is in the lower middle part. The appropriate installation position 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 affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some precautions for ETC installation: 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 angle, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it can 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 because it has a built-in 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 mechanism 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 prevent issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to avoid automatic sensing and payment for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and failed transactions. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also lead to transaction failures.
I remember once helping a friend install an ETC device, and he also asked if it could be placed somewhere other than the windshield. Actually, that little ETC box is designed for automatic toll collection at checkpoints, and it needs to be positioned on the windshield to receive signals and absorb sunlight for power. If you place it off-center, like on the dashboard, the signal might weaken, occasionally causing toll booths to fail to detect it and resulting in payment issues. Additionally, the area on the windshield where it's attached is specially designed by manufacturers—the adhesive is strong and less likely to come loose. If you install it elsewhere and it falls off due to bumps, you’ll have to reinstall it, which is a hassle. I recommend just following the instructions and sticking it in the top-left corner—it won’t obstruct your view and ensures full functionality. Over time, the device in my car has stayed firmly in place, making driving much safer.
As a frequent driver, I think while it's possible to try not sticking the ETC device on the windshield—like mounting it on a stand on the dashboard—this method isn't necessarily reliable. The height and angle of the windshield allow the device to receive the best signal, whereas placing it elsewhere might result in interference from metal parts inside the car, often causing it to miss toll gates and just creating unnecessary hassle. Additionally, the adhesive is designed with strong temperature adaptability, making it less likely to loosen when stuck on the glass; placing it randomly elsewhere might cause it to fall off in summer heat, rendering the device useless. Safety is even more critical—don't block the driving view just to save effort, as it could lead to accidents. In short, following the rules and sticking it properly is the most worry-free approach. Don't overcomplicate things; smooth driving comes first.
