Can the ETC device be attached to the small black dots?
2 Answers
ETC devices can be installed on the black dots of the windshield, as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view and can detect the toll station's detection equipment. However, installing them outside the black dots on the windshield has drawbacks, such as reduced solar charging capability of the ETC device, which may lead to power depletion over time. Correct installation position for ETC: For small vehicles like cars and vans, the ETC card and OBU device should be installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is in the lower middle part. ETC installation requirements: the height should not be less than 1.2 meters or 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 turn on. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and attach it to the installation position. Press firmly with your hand for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
I've been driving for many years, and when I bought a new car, I thought about sticking the ETC device on the black dot area, believing it would be discreet and aesthetically pleasing. However, after installation, I frequently encountered issues at toll stations, with unstable signal reception and often getting stuck having to pay manually. Later, when I asked at a repair shop, I learned that the black dot area is designed as a heat dissipation zone. Covering it with the ETC device affects the antenna and signal transmission. After moving it to a clean spot behind the rearview mirror, everything worked smoothly. My driving experience taught me that choosing the wrong location not only wastes time but can also add to driving hassles, so I strongly recommend not cutting corners—just follow the manual's recommended placement. If you insist on sticking it on the black dot, regularly test the device to avoid errors at highway tolls. Also, choose good adhesive tape to ensure the device stays firmly in place and doesn’t fall off.
