Where is the ETC device installed on a car?
2 Answers
The ETC device for small cars is generally installed on the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is installed on 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 anti-explosion film or those that have it installed later, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, the device should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, meaning electronic toll 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 made by someone other than 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. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is needed, 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 windshields with a large backward tilt angle, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered when installing ETC, it can increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror 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, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. 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 installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the device 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 payment for the front vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may prevent the vehicle device information from being read, leading to toll deduction failure. If a debit card is used for ETC binding, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.
I've been driving for several years, and the ETC device should be attached to the area on the inside of the windshield behind the rearview mirror. That's the golden spot—it doesn't block your view or interfere with your driving visibility, and most importantly, the ETC signal reception is super stable. I once tried sticking it on the side window, but the toll booth often couldn't scan it, forcing me to get out and handle it manually, which was both time-consuming and annoying. When installing it, make sure to clean the glass thoroughly to avoid dust affecting the adhesive. ETC is such a hassle-free gadget—no need to queue at toll booths, and you even get a discount on highway fees. Do the math, and you could save a few hundred bucks every year. In short, don't stick it just anywhere, like on the dashboard or sun visor, as those spots might interfere with the signal or obstruct your view of the road.
