What is the best position to install ETC?
2 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 anti-explosion film or those that have been retrofitted with anti-explosion film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, the ETC should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. 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 not made by the owner, the agent must also provide their valid ID card. 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 tolls is required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. 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 windshields with a large rearward tilt, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If ETC installation does not take this into account, 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 that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and 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-removal lever connected to a switch. After the electronic tag is installed, 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 this case, 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 prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic toll deduction for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and cause toll deduction to fail. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also lead to toll deduction failure.
I've been driving for decades, installing ETC devices in everything from sedans to SUVs. The placement is crucial - the ideal spot is the upper part of the windshield, right behind the rearview mirror in that blank space. That area has no metal film or heating wires to interfere, allowing toll station antennas to accurately read the signal. I've never experienced incorrect charges or passage delays there. If placed too low, like on the dashboard, the signal can sometimes be blocked by items in the cabin or even obstruct the front windshield view, which can be particularly distracting during long drives. Remember to avoid metal-heavy areas during installation. Choosing the right position makes daily highway commuting smooth and hassle-free, eliminating queue troubles without compromising driving safety. Overall, a small adjustment brings significant convenience.
