What is the best location to install ETC?
3 Answers
For small cars, the ETC is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles such as trucks and buses, it is installed in the lower middle part. The appropriate 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 explosion-proof film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, the ETC should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner needs to provide original and photocopies of their valid ID card and 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 seal. Additionally, a bank card under the owner's name for deducting highway tolls is required, and the owner must be between 18 and 60 years old. Here are some considerations for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it can increase the driver's 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 because it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it arbitrarily: 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 tag is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. In such cases, you will 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 paying for the vehicle in front due to its ETC device malfunction, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and cause charging failure. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also lead to charging failure.
When I first bought my car, I researched the best ETC installation location. After trying a few spots myself, I found the ideal position is the central upper area on the windshield's interior, right below the rearview mirror. Why? That location offers unobstructed visibility, allows toll booth scanners to easily capture signals, and doesn't block the driver's view - safety first! I initially placed mine near the A-pillar but experienced unstable signals; moving it to the top solved the issue. Remember to thoroughly clean the glass before installation to ensure strong adhesion - dust residue can cause it to fall off. This method works perfectly for sedans like mine, and SUVs too. If your windshield has heat-insulating film, position it slightly higher to avoid metallic areas. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes. Now highway toll payments are effortless - just a quick scan. Battery replacement during maintenance is also convenient.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I must say that installing the ETC at the very top of the windshield's interior is the best choice. It offers an unobstructed view without interfering with driving, ensures the strongest signal transmission, and allows for fast, accurate, and stable recognition at toll stations. In my younger days, I installed some older devices and found that incorrect placement could lead to misreads or obstructions, compromising safety. While new technology has improved, the optimal location remains unchanged: right below the rearview mirror area—just clean the glass and stick it on. My experience suggests choosing a spot free from metal interference, and this applies similarly to different vehicles like SUVs or trucks. If placed too low or at an angle, signal issues may arise, and it can obstruct the driver's view, which isn't worth the hassle. Maintenance is straightforward: regularly check the adhesive's firmness to prevent it from falling onto the road. In short, this position has stood the test of time, ensuring high driving efficiency.
