Must the ETC device be attached to the windshield?
2 Answers
ETC can be used without being attached to the windshield. Installing the ETC on the upper part of the windshield is to minimize obstruction of the driver's view and to ensure better recognition by the equipment at highway toll stations. If you prefer not to install it on the windshield, place it in an open area where it can still be seen through the windshield. For small cars, the ETC is generally installed 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 no lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket anti-explosion films, which may affect microwave signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some installation considerations for ETC: Do not obstruct the view; installing it behind the rearview mirror is ideal: Many car models have windshields with a significant backward tilt, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help 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 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 arbitrarily once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. Once the ETC is installed, the windshield will press the lever in. If removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism 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 issues caused by a malfunctioning ETC device in the vehicle ahead, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters to prevent automatic payment for the preceding vehicle. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at speeds up to 20 km/h; exceeding this speed may result in failed transactions due to inability to read the device. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause transaction failures.
Having used ETC for over a decade, I believe mounting it on the windshield is the most reliable option. The RFID signal transmission works best through clear glass with minimal obstruction, and the optimal position is usually near the rearview mirror area. Once I experimented with placing it on the dashboard, but it kept malfunctioning at highway toll stations – causing delays and unnecessary extra charges. Cleaning the glass before applying adhesive prevents detachment, and avoid installing it over tinted film to prevent interference. Overall, this method proves hassle-free and efficient – never compromise reliability for convenience by placing it elsewhere.
