Where is the best place to install ETC?
2 Answers
For small cars, the ETC is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles such as 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. If the vehicle has a sunshade film or if a sunshade film is installed later, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link. In such cases, 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, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the driving license 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 block 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 spot. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror can avoid blocking 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 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 casually: 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 casually, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and making it unusable. In such cases, you will need to visit 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 area 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 vehicle ahead. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and lead to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe the ETC installation position is crucial. In the early days, I casually stuck it on the dashboard or the edge of the windshield, resulting in intermittent signals and frequent errors at toll booths. Now, experience tells me that the most reliable spot is the upper center position behind the rearview mirror: the high area of the windshield is unobstructed, ensuring strong signal reception without blocking the front view. A position too low obstructs visibility, while too high risks detachment due to heat, so aligning it near the rearview mirror's mounting point is ideal. After cleaning the glass, wipe it dry with alcohol before pressing the device tape firmly, and regularly check for adhesive aging. In summer, positioning it near the top can prevent sun damage, while in winter, avoid frost-prone areas to ensure stable signals and smooth passage. In short, choosing the right position minimizes hassle and ensures peace of mind while driving.
