Where is ETC generally installed?
2 Answers
For small cars, the ETC is usually installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles such as trucks and buses, the installation position is 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 built-in or later-added anti-explosion 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, 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 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 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 a large inclination angle of the windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can 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. 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 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 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 issues caused by the malfunction of the ETC device of the vehicle in front, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to prevent automatic sensing and payment for the preceding 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 cause payment failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also lead to payment failure.
I've always enjoyed talking about car stuff, so let me tell you about the ETC placement issue. ETC devices are usually installed on the inner side of the car's windshield, mostly in the middle or near the driver's side close to the rearview mirror. This is mainly because the windshield ensures smooth signal transmission without metal interference. I remember when I first installed my ETC, the technician at the 4S store specifically instructed me to stick it on clean glass, avoiding dust or being too close to the edge, so toll station antennas can easily recognize it. Installation is quite simple - just use the included adhesive to stick it on. The battery usually lasts two to three years before needing replacement, and once positioned stably, it won't fall off. If it's crooked, it might affect sensing sometimes, but overall it doesn't obstruct vision and driving feels smooth. Thinking about it now, this design is really smart, saving us a lot of trouble.