What is the best position to install ETC on a vehicle?
2 Answers
The optimal installation position for ETC on passenger cars is generally in the upper-middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles such as trucks and buses, it should be installed in the lower-middle section. The suitable installation height ranges between 1.2 meters and 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles equipped with explosion-proof film or those that have it applied later, which may affect microwave communication signal transmission, ETC should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection system. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner needs to provide original and photocopied versions of their valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is handled 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 stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway toll fees is needed, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Here are some considerations for ETC installation: Do not obstruct the driver's view; the best position is behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a significant backward tilt, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror can help avoid obstructing the view. Avoid affecting charging: ETC electronic tags consume power but generally do not require charging or battery replacement because they have a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that might block the solar panel. Do not remove the device arbitrarily once installed: The adhesive in the middle has an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. Once the ETC tag is installed, the windshield will press the lever in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out, triggering the switch and locking the tag, rendering it unusable. In such cases, the user must 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 ahead due to its faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the vehicle in front. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failed fee deductions due to unreadable vehicle information. Additionally, insufficient balance in the debit card linked to ETC can also cause deduction failures.
I've installed the ETC several times, and the most ideal position seems to be the upper area of the front windshield, near the rearview mirror. Why is this the best spot? Because the middle or slightly left side of the windshield has strong signal reception, allowing the ETC device's antenna to better capture signals from toll stations, avoiding missed scans or incorrect charges. When installing, make sure to clean the glass surface thoroughly to ensure a tight bond and prevent detachment. Also, avoid placing it on the lower half of the windshield—firstly, it can obstruct your view and increase safety risks, and secondly, prolonged exposure to sunlight can soften the adhesive, causing it to fall off. If your car has metalized or heat-insulating films, be extra careful with the placement, as some films can interfere with the signal and disrupt normal usage. In short, choosing the right position can make highway travel more convenient and efficient.
