How to install ETC in a car?
2 Answers
ETC can be processed at bank branches or highway service areas, where professional staff will install the ETC device. The application requires the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A Postal Savings credit card application form is needed, as the credit card will be used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and bring the POS receipt to the designated Postal Savings branch to receive and install the ETC on-board device for free, with no additional charges. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 60 and own a personal vehicle. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, an electronic toll system. The application requires the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the driving license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway toll fees is needed. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 60 and own a personal vehicle. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large rearward tilt angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Install it behind the rearview mirror on the right side to avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the blackened areas of the windshield or where the solar panel might be blocked. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the device is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will 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 prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to avoid automatic toll payment for the vehicle in front. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.
I just installed an ETC, and as a first-timer, the whole process was quite straightforward. First, go to a bank or highway service point to apply for a card, bringing your vehicle registration and ID card. The staff provided a small device called an OBU unit with adhesive backing. You need to find a good spot to stick it on the windshield, ideally near the rearview mirror, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct your view or get blocked by metal frames, which could interfere with the signal. Peel off the protective film yourself and press firmly to secure it. Then, download the corresponding app, scan the device’s QR code to activate it, and sometimes you may need to insert the card. After activation, test it at a nearby toll station. The entire process took me 30 minutes, and after installation, it’s really convenient—no more queuing at highway exits to pay tolls, saving a lot of time. I recommend watching the official video tutorial before your first installation to avoid placing the device incorrectly, which could cause it to malfunction.
