Where is the best position to place the ETC device?
4 Answers
For small cars, the ETC device is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles such as trucks and buses, the installation position is at the upper part. The suitable installation position should be at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with anti-explosion film or those that have it installed later, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so the device should be installed in the microwave sunroof area. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which means electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopies 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. 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. Required documents for official 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 driving license of the vehicle; Vehicle that needs to be equipped with ETC. 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 when installing ETC, it will increase the driver's blind spots. Install it behind the rearview mirror on the right side to 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 do not install it in a position 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 installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the device is 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 area is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, keep a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, leading to payment failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause payment failure.
I think the best position to install an ETC device is usually at the top center of the windshield, near the rearview mirror. Having driven for many years, I've found that location provides the strongest signal reception, with nearly a 100% success rate at toll stations, saving time and hassle. Avoid placing it too far to the side or too low—for example, installing it on the side window can interfere with antenna transmission, causing the toll station to fail to read it. Placing it on the dashboard, though close, can lead to overheating damage and obstruct your view, increasing the risk of accidents. During installation, clean the glass thoroughly and use the original double-sided tape to secure it firmly, pressing down for 10 seconds after placement to ensure it stays in place. For daily maintenance, check periodically for any looseness, and replace the battery every two to three years. In short, the right position makes driving safer and more efficient.
From a safety perspective, placing it in the middle of the windshield near the rearview mirror is the most secure option. Positioning it too high or too low is not advisable: too high may interfere with wipers, while too low can obstruct road visibility. I've seen cases where misplacement caused the device to detach during sudden braking, resulting in injuries. The device's antenna should face forward for optimal signal reception, ensuring smooth passage every time. Clean the glass of dust before installation, press it flat after attaching to minimize air bubbles. Also, avoid proximity to metal decorations to prevent signal interference. For maintenance, check the adhesive strength quarterly to prevent damage from driving vibrations. After optimizing the position, the failure rate dropped to zero, proving especially reliable on highways.
Technically speaking, the optimal position for the ETC device is on the windshield near the rearview mirror. There, the antenna aligns with the toll booth, minimizing interference and ensuring strong signal reception. During installation, clean the glass thoroughly and apply the device carefully to avoid air bubbles. Avoid placing it under sunshades or on the dashboard, as this may cause malfunctions or overheating. The standard practice is to position the device with its arrow facing forward. If signal reception is poor, check if the device has shifted from its intended position.
