Does ETC have to be installed on the windshield?
2 Answers
ETC can be used without being attached to the windshield. Installing ETC on the upper part of the windshield is to minimize obstruction of the driver's view and ensure better recognition by highway toll station equipment. If you prefer not to install it on the glass, place it in an open area 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, it is installed in the lower middle part. The suitable installation position should be at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. If the vehicle has a sunshade film or if one is applied later, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so it should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some ETC installation precautions: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt, which reduces the driver's field of vision. Installing ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help avoid blocking 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 for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or in positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove it once installed: The adhesive in the middle has an anti-tamper rod connected to a switch. Once installed, the windshield presses the rod in. If removed, the rod pops out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. You would then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This 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 avoid paying for the vehicle in front due to its faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failed deductions. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause deduction failures.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience behind the wheel, I must say installing the ETC device on the front windshield is indeed the most reliable choice, though not absolutely mandatory. Having driven various vehicles, I've experimented with placing the ETC tag on the dashboard or door frame edges, only to encounter frequent signal instability at toll booths, sometimes with delayed responses. The reason lies in the device's antenna design being optimized for windshield placement where glass obstruction is minimal, ensuring stronger signals. Installing it elsewhere risks signal interference from metal components, potentially causing recognition failures or erroneous charges. I recommend following the manual's guidance to mount it firmly on the upper left or right corner of the front glass without looseness. Periodically check signal strength, slow down before approaching toll gates for seamless passage. If misaligned, simply visit a professional installation point for adjustment—it's hassle-free. Ultimately, improper positioning only affects functionality, but safety always comes first.
