Can the ETC device be installed on the black dot area?
4 Answers
ETC devices can be installed on the black dot area of the windshield, as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view and can detect the toll station's scanning equipment. However, installing them outside the black dot area has drawbacks, such as reduced solar charging capability, which may lead to power depletion over time. Correct ETC installation positions: For small vehicles like 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 middle lower part. ETC installation requirements: 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 electronic tag surface and the horizontal plane). ETC installation procedure: 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; a red light will briefly illuminate, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the OBU's adhesive backing and attach 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 properly inserted into the OBU device.
I started driving in my twenties and now in my fifties, experience has taught me that the installation position of the ETC device is crucial. The black dots on the windshield are actually ceramic-coated areas, mainly used for shading and securing the edges, not for sticking things. If you stick the ETC there, signal reception can be affected because the black material may absorb or reflect radio waves. I made this mistake myself—it worked fine for the first week after installation, but when the rainy season came, the ETC response slowed down, and the barrier at the highway exit wouldn’t lift, leaving me fuming in a half-hour queue. Later, at the repair shop, a technician suggested moving it to the center area behind the rearview mirror. After cleaning and firmly sticking it there, the signal was full and never lagged again. Official manuals also recommend a position slightly above the center—it doesn’t obstruct the driving view and ensures stable communication. Before installation, clean the glass thoroughly and don’t skimp on the adhesive; choosing the right location saves a lot of hassle in daily life.
I have some research on automotive electronics. The ETC device relies on RFID to wirelessly connect with toll stations, and improper placement can easily cause signal issues. That black dot is a specially treated area on the windshield, where the ceramic coating may interfere with the signal transmission path, especially under high temperatures or humidity, leading to greater attenuation. I've tested placing the device near the black dot, and the card reading became unstable, with the success rate dropping by half. The best position is the area directly above the rearview mirror, where the signal can travel straight without obstruction. During installation, ensure the glass is clean and free of dust, and the adhesive tape is tightly secured to prevent loosening, avoiding drop-offs or malfunctions on bumpy roads. If the signal weakens, don't struggle with it yourself—promptly adjust the position. With the right placement, highway passage will be swift and smooth.
I haven't been driving for long, but I love sharing tips. Don't stick your ETC device on the black dots area - that special design weakens the signal. I recommend mounting it near the rearview mirror's center after cleaning the glass, done in one go. A good position ensures smooth ETC operation for seamless highway toll passage. Simple and hassle-free driving.
