Can the ETC be moved to a different position?
3 Answers
ETC can be relocated. The correct installation positions for ETC are as follows: For small vehicles such as cars and minivans, the ETC card and OBU device should be installed on the upper-middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is on the lower-middle part. ETC installation requirements: the height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane). The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly illuminate. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front facing the driver and the back facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
When I bought my car a few years ago, I had an ETC installed. After using it for a while, I felt it was blocking my view and wanted to move it. However, when I tried to remove it, I almost damaged the device. It was attached with strong double-sided tape to the upper middle part of the windshield and designed to be fixed in place. Moving it carelessly could damage the internal antenna or weaken the signal, causing recognition issues at highway toll stations and frequent errors. Later, I contacted customer service, and they explained that the position is crucial. If moved, it needs to be reactivated. After adjusting the position properly, it became much more stable. My advice is not to move it yourself. If you really need to relocate it, contact a service point for assistance. DIY attempts carry risks—if the device gets damaged, you’ll waste time reinstalling a new one, which could disrupt your daily commute. The hassle-free solution is to clean it regularly but avoid moving it.
I tend to fiddle with small things while driving, but never mess with the ETC carelessly. Once I accidentally moved it, and the adhesive tape was so strong that forcibly peeling it off caused the device to loosen, leading to signal reception issues. The ETC relies on being fixed in a specific position on the windshield to ensure signal transmission. Moving it randomly reduces accuracy, making highway passage failures more likely and potentially delaying your trip. It's usually best installed in the upper middle part without obstructing the view. If you must move it, seek professional help with tools to reattach and reactivate it. If it's working fine, leave it alone—protecting the device ensures a longer lifespan. Safety first.
