Where is the ETC fixed?
3 Answers
The ETC is generally 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 suitable installation position is at a height not less than 1.2 meters and not higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with anti-explosion film or those that have it installed later, it will affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so it should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If it is not the owner who applies, 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 seal. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed, and the vehicle must be under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Documents required for company vehicles: Introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original ID card of the agent; original driving license of the vehicle; the vehicle that needs to apply for ETC. Here are the 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 results in a smaller driver's field of vision. If this is not considered when installing ETC, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Install it behind the right side of the rearview mirror to avoid blocking the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but generally does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced because there is a solar panel on its back that can charge itself. Therefore, when installing, avoid the black area on the windshield and do not install it in a position that easily blocks the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it at will: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal guide rod, connected to a switch below. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal guide rod in. If it is removed at will, the anti-removal guide rod will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and making it unusable. You will need to go to the 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 of the ETC lane is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, resulting in a failed deduction. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will also cause the deduction to fail.
When I drive my car to and from work, the ETC device is fixed in the upper left corner of the windshield, right near the rearview mirror, without obstructing the view. The position is chosen there for better signal reception, ensuring quick detection at toll stations and avoiding misreads. During installation, it's important to clean the glass to ensure the 3M adhesive sticks firmly and doesn't loosen in hot weather. I also check its stability regularly because if it falls off, it can cause toll payment issues and increase travel delays. Don't overlook this small detail.
When installing the ETC, the technician taught me to fix it right in the center or slightly to the left at the top of the windshield, ideally half a fist's distance from the rearview mirror. I chose this location to ensure strong signals, smooth toll collection, and no interference with the dashboard. Before driving, I always take a quick glance to check if it's secure, as incorrect placement might cause unexpected issues, such as weak signals leading to delayed payments. Simply cleaning off dust prevents it from falling off—practical and worry-free.
