Where is the correct position for ETC?
3 Answers
The installation position for ETC in small cars is generally in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is installed 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 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket anti-explosion film, which may affect microwave communication signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave skylight 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 and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent must also provide their valid ID. 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 an individual aged between 18 and 60. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large rearward tilt, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side 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 for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened 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-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-tamper 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 the ETC device of the vehicle in front from 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 vehicles at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.
I have experience with installing ETC devices, and the ideal location is right behind the rearview mirror on the dotted black area of the windshield. This spot is perfect—it doesn’t block your driving view at all. I’ve been driving for three years, and my ETC has never obstructed my vision. Plus, it gets enough sunlight there, so the built-in solar panel keeps the device powered without worrying about running out of battery. The signal reception angle is also excellent, allowing toll station scanners to detect it immediately. Just remember not to install it on areas covered with metal film or near the edges of the windshield, as the signal may weaken. A little tip: after fixing it in place, avoid moving it for 48 hours to let the adhesive set completely before long drives.
When installing an ETC device on the car window, I did thorough research and found two key areas to avoid: First, stay away from metal-coated film areas, like the explosion-proof film on the windshield, as it can interfere with RF signals. Second, avoid the wiper sweep zone to prevent reduced recognition accuracy during rain. I recommend placing it near the edge of the glass on the passenger side of the rearview mirror—this spot doesn’t obstruct the view and avoids the black decorative frame. During my last DIY installation, I noticed a detail: the small round hole at the bottom of the device should face the interior to ensure the solar panel absorbs enough light. When securing it, press firmly with the included double-sided tape to avoid bubbles, which can cause detachment. If the toll booth recognition is slow after installation, the position might be off and needs adjustment.
