Can the ETC be relocated after installation?
3 Answers
After installation, the ETC can be removed and relocated. However, the ETC device will become invalid if removed by yourself because it has an anti-tamper feature. There is a small switch on the back of the ETC electronic tag, which automatically turns off once the device is detached from the windshield. Therefore, you must take your vehicle's registration certificate to the ETC service provider for reactivation. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in queues. Green and eco-friendly: Promotes low-carbon travel by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions. Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs by minimizing frequent starts and brakes, lowering vehicle wear and fuel consumption. Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council explicitly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key urban clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles equipped with ETC will significantly increase." It also set a target of "achieving a 50% ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles by 2020" in the main indicators of comprehensive transportation development during the "13th Five-Year Plan." More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage rates for passenger vehicles, efforts will be made to promote ETC usage for trucks and explore deeper integration of ETC systems with smart transportation directions such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-road coordination. This will provide comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners, meaning more application scenarios will support ETC usage. ETC billing principle: Highways have one or more ETC lanes. Through dedicated short-range microwave communication between the vehicle's electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane, and using computer networking technology for backend settlement with banks, the system allows vehicles to pay tolls without stopping at toll stations. This is all based on the principle of "pass first, deduct later." Precautions for installing ETC: Avoid obstructing the view—install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a steep incline, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can 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 solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove it casually once installed: The adhesive in the middle has an anti-tamper rod connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses the anti-tamper rod in. If removed casually, the rod 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 feature prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Things to note when using ETC: 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 at least 10 meters to avoid automatic payment for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h—exceeding this speed may result in failed billing due to inability to read the vehicle's device information. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause billing failure.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can confirm that the ETC device can indeed be repositioned after installation, but the location choice is crucial. The ETC device operates via radio frequency signals, so it should be placed in the center or upper-middle part of the windshield, avoiding dark tint or metal obstructions, as weak signals may cause toll collection failures. When relocating, first carefully remove the old adhesive, clean the glass and device with a dedicated adhesive remover to prevent oil residue from affecting adhesion; the new spot should be flat and clean, secured firmly with the original double-sided tape, pressed tightly for a few minutes until the adhesive dries. After moving, don’t rush onto the highway—test the sensitivity at a nearby toll gate in your community first. If the device doesn’t respond or shows a red light, promptly visit an ETC service center for reactivation and adjustment. A well-chosen position can be convenient, but improper handling may increase malfunction risks. My advice: avoid frequent relocations unless necessary—keeping it fixed in the original spot is the most hassle-free option.
Previously, the ETC device in my car was blocking my view, so I moved it once myself. The process wasn't too difficult: I used a heat gun to soften the adhesive tape and slowly peeled it off, then cleaned both the glass and the device surface thoroughly. I chose a new spot above the driver's side, away from the dark explosion-proof film, and secured it with new adhesive tape. However, once at a highway toll gate, the sensor responded slowly, causing me to get stuck at the gate and forcing me to detour and queue again. Later, I learned that changing the position could affect signal reception, as the ETC antenna is directional. Moving it randomly might lead to incorrect charges or system errors. After relocating it, you should go to a service point for inspection and adjustment to ensure stable solar charging. In summary, it's possible to move it, but preparation is key: cleaning, positioning, and testing are all essential. Beginners are better off asking professionals to do it to avoid wasting time and effort and suffering unnecessary losses.
