Does ETC installation require wiring?
4 Answers
ETC installation does not require wiring as it uses its own power source. The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but it does not need regular charging during normal use because there is a solar panel on the back of the battery that allows it to charge itself. During installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield. The built-in power source of ETC typically has a lifespan of 3-5 years. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which is an electronic toll collection system. It uses automatic vehicle identification technology to enable wireless data communication between the vehicle and the toll station, facilitating automatic vehicle recognition and the exchange of relevant toll data. The system employs computer networks to process toll data, achieving a fully automated electronic toll collection system without the need for stopping or toll booths. To apply for ETC, the following documents are required: the vehicle owner's valid ID card and the original and photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by a proxy, the proxy's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway toll fees is needed. The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, and the vehicle must be registered under an individual's name. How ETC works: The onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield communicates with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. The system uses computer networking technology to settle payments with the bank in the background, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Reduces noise, exhaust emissions, and pollution by allowing vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping; Cost-saving: Reduces wear and tear and fuel consumption by minimizing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops. Users can also enjoy toll discounts; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase traffic efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC faster, more advanced, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
When I installed the ETC in my car, I did some research. There are two ways to install it: if you stick it on the windshield yourself, there's basically no need for wiring, as the device comes with a solar charging panel that's sufficient for daily use. However, if you want to connect it to the fuse box with hidden wiring, you'll need a professional to do the wiring. The cigarette lighter in my old car was in a bad position, so the technician tucked the wire along the top edge of the windshield and then ran it through the rubber seal to the fuse box. The whole process took half an hour. Important reminder: never remove the A-pillar trim yourself for wiring, as there might be airbags inside, and improper handling could trigger a fault light. It's best to choose an installation point partnered with a bank—they know the ropes and it's free.
Last year when I installed the ETC for my dad's car, I specifically consulted a friend at the repair shop. The newly released solar-powered ETCs indeed don't require wiring—just stick them onto the windshield. However, for some older car models or special positions that need power connection, wiring is necessary. For example, cars with rain-sensing wiper modules near the rearview mirror may experience interference if the ETC is placed too low, in which case the wire might need to be routed to the OBD port under the steering wheel. The technician will use a professional pry bar to tuck the wire into the headliner gap, making it completely invisible. The key is to test the sensor sensitivity after wiring. Once, when I drove into the toll station and it didn't respond, it turned out the signal was blocked by the metal film, and redoing the installation was particularly troublesome.
Just helped a colleague install an ETC, sharing personal experience: The solar-powered model can be directly attached to the windshield without any wiring. If you choose the cigarette lighter-powered model, it's recommended to buy an ultra-thin version. When routing the cable, use an anti-static sticker to fix the device near the rearview mirror, tuck the wire along the A-pillar rubber seal, and only expose about 3 cm of wire at the roof lining. Be careful not to attach it to the black-dotted areas of the windshield, as this may lead to insufficient solar charging. After installation, remember to activate and test: Remove and reinsert the card, and if you hear a beep, it means the sensor is working properly.
