Does the ETC device require wiring?
3 Answers
There are two power supply methods for ETC devices. One is the solar-powered ETC electronic tag, which can automatically charge without wiring. The other is the ETC electronic tag that requires additional power supply (such as cigarette lighter power supply or battery power supply). The cigarette lighter power supply requires wiring, while the battery power supply does not require wiring. The battery has a validity period of 3 years, and a new battery can be replaced after 3 years. The wiring method for cigarette lighter power supply: 1. Take out the ETC device and stick it to the upper middle part of the front windshield with 3M adhesive; 2. Reserve 5 to 10 cm of the ETC device's power supply connection cable, and insert the cable into the gap of the top trim panel; 3. At the turning point, a plastic pry bar can be used to insert the connection cable, extending along the sealing strip all the way to the passenger foot space; 4. Lift the passenger foot mat and hide the connection cable under the mat; 5. Plug the connection cable into the cigarette lighter to obtain power, and the ETC installation is completed.
I've been driving heavy trucks for almost ten years and have used several ETC devices, all of which were simply stuck on the windshield without any wiring. Those small OBU units are powered by solar energy or built-in batteries, transmitting signals wirelessly, and installation is as easy as using double-sided tape. Older models might have required wiring to the cigarette lighter, but with technological advancements, it's much more convenient now. The wireless design offers many benefits—like in my line of work, driving on highways every day, I don’t have to stop and queue for tolls, saving time and avoiding worries about wire aging or malfunctions. When installing, remember to clean the glass surface properly to prevent the device from falling off. If you notice low battery after prolonged use, replace the device promptly for safety and convenience. Overall, wireless ETC truly addresses the pain points of long-distance driving, and I’ve never encountered any missed toll issues.
As a new driver, I was initially worried about the complexity of installing my first ETC device, but it turned out to be surprisingly easy. The equipment obtained from banks or service stations simply adheres to the car's front windshield without any wiring – it operates entirely on wireless signals and battery power. I opted for the solar panel model that doesn't even require charging cables, as it automatically powers itself through sunlight exposure. Being a novice concerned about damaging the car's electrical system during installation, I found this design incredibly user-friendly. The setup involves just a few steps: peel the adhesive, position the device, and activate the card – the whole process takes less than five minutes. For my daily urban expressway commutes, a quick scan gets me through toll gates effortlessly. Additional benefits include reduced waiting time at toll plazas and accumulated points for discounts, helping new drivers like me save significantly on fuel costs.
