What is the best position to install ETC on the windshield?

[SophiaMarie]

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 at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 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 is the abbreviation for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning 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 non-owner, the agent'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. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed, 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 angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror 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 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 prevent issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to avoid automatic toll deduction for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognizes vehicle speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour; exceeding this speed may result in failed toll deductions due to inability to read the vehicle's device information. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failures.

[NorahFitz]

Having driven trucks nationwide for 15 years, I'm most qualified to talk about ETC placement. The ideal spot is the black dotted area at the very top center of the windshield - that grid-patterned zone behind the rearview mirror. This location won't obstruct driving visibility while allowing the solar panel maximum sunlight exposure. Never take shortcuts by mounting it directly in front of the rearview mirror; that blocks critical sightlines and becomes especially dangerous during lane changes at interchanges. I've seen cases where ETCs installed at the lower left corner of the windshield failed toll booth recognition due to metal body parts interfering with the signal. Always test windshield flatness with a coin before installation - wavy surfaces won't hold. Use professional adhesive rated for -40°C to 80°C, or summer heat may cause detachment. A device falling off during long hauls creates major headaches.

[DelArabella]

Last time when helping a customer with window tinting, we chatted about ETC. I suggested that the most reliable spot to install it is three fingers' width to the right of the rearview mirror inside the car. This area is generally within the dotted black zone on the windshield, making it both discreet and practical. Think about it: if you stick it in the wiper coverage area, sand and mud during the rainy season can easily wear out the device; placing it too close to the edge may interfere with GPS signal reception. Make sure to leave at least ten centimeters of space from the rearview mirror base for easy removal. Some luxury cars have metal film on the windshield—in such cases, attach aluminum foil to the metal plate on the back of the device to isolate electrostatic interference, otherwise it may repeatedly show 'tag invalid.' After installation, remember to shake it by hand to test its firmness; if there's any unusual noise, reinforce it again.

[CalebLynn]

As an electronic equipment repair technician, I've seen too many cases of incorrect ETC installation. The optimal position is absolutely at the upper edge of the black ceramic dot on the windshield (usually above and behind the rearview mirror), where the signal light transmittance exceeds 90%. The recommended installation height is about 5 centimeters below the roof line - never lower than the dashboard level, or the radar waves will be absorbed by the console. I've tested various positions: mounting on the left A-pillar causes 1.8-second recognition delay, while installation in the right rain sensor area only achieves 60% triggering rate. Key inspection point: the metal contacts on the backplate must tightly adhere to the glass - any gap exceeding half a millimeter will cause card reading failure. After installation, test it on the highway: the barrier should lift instantly at 20km/h; if not, relocate the device immediately.