Where can ETC be installed?
3 Answers
ETC installation positions are generally in the upper middle part of the front windshield for regular vehicles, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is 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 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with pre-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, ETC should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the 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 18 to 60. Documents required for company vehicles: Introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); Copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); Original ID card of the agent; Original vehicle registration certificate; Vehicle to be equipped with ETC. Here are the precautions for ETC installation: Do not obstruct the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large inclination angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spots. Install it behind the rearview mirror on the right side to avoid obstructing the view. Do not affect 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, avoid installing it in the black area of the windshield or where the solar panel might be blocked. Once installed, do not remove it casually: 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 removed casually, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and making it unusable. You will then need to go to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Precautions for using ETC: 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 payment for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle device information and toll deduction failure. When using a debit card for ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.
My car's ETC is stuck on the windshield, right in that small area at the bottom left corner of the rearview mirror. Why choose this spot? Because it ensures strong signal recognition at toll stations without obstructing the view or distracting the driver. The power cable connects directly to the cigarette lighter socket for easy charging. When installing, remember to clean the glass thoroughly before firmly attaching it with the provided adhesive. I've tried other spots, but none worked as well: placing it on the dashboard made it loose and unstable, with poor signal; the rear window was worse—bumps would dislodge the device, causing toll failures and requiring stops to pay manually. Professional installers all agree this is the best position, protecting the device from sun and rain, and it can last three to five years without issues. DIY installation is straightforward—just avoid moving it around, as that wastes time, effort, and compromises safety.
I'm an enthusiastic DIYer who installed my own ETC device, placing it near the right corner of the rearview mirror on the windshield. This spot offers the most stable signal without obstructing the view while protecting the device. The installation was quite straightforward: turn off all vehicle electronics, clean the dry zone on the windshield (free of grease or dust), peel off the adhesive backing and press firmly for half a minute to secure it. Why does positioning matter? Incorrect placement with weak signals may cause toll station delays – for instance, mounting on the dashboard risks metal interference slowing recognition, while instrument panel installation often leads to poor adhesion and detachment risks. Experience taught me that positioning affects charging cable management too; elevated placement with just-right cable length ensures neatness. Occasionally I see installations on the passenger side, but the driver's side offers better button access for balance checks. Always maintain a forward-facing angle without tilt for optimal performance.
