Where is the ETC installation location for large trucks?
2 Answers
For large vehicles such as trucks and buses, the ETC device should be installed in the middle-lower section. The appropriate installation position should be at a height between 1.2 meters and 2.5 meters, with an installation angle ranging from 30 to 90 degrees. If the vehicle has factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect microwave signal transmission, the device should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's 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 under the personal name of someone aged 18 to 60 is needed for deducting highway tolls. Here are some important considerations for ETC installation: Do not obstruct the driver's view. The best location is behind the interior rearview mirror: Many vehicle models have steeply angled windshields, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC device without considering this may increase blind spots. Placing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror helps avoid obstructing the view. Avoid affecting charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally doesn't require charging or battery replacement because it has a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that might block the solar panel. Do not remove the device arbitrarily once installed: The adhesive backing contains an anti-tamper rod connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses this rod inward. If the device is removed arbitrarily, the rod will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. In such cases, you would need to visit an ETC service center to unlock it. This mechanism prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid paying for the vehicle in front due to its faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h; driving too fast may result in failed toll deduction due to unreadable vehicle information. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.
I've been driving heavy trucks for over a decade, and ETC devices are usually installed inside the windshield, near the center rearview mirror position. This way, it doesn't interfere with my road visibility while driving. It's best to have it installed by a professional shop—they'll clean the glass and use special adhesive to secure it tightly, preventing it from falling off due to road bumps. Signal reception is also crucial. ETC communicates with toll stations via radio frequency, so if it's placed too high or too low, it may not work properly, leading to misread charges. For large trucks with big windshields, a higher position is fine, but avoid installing it too close to the edges. I once tried installing it myself, but the signal was unstable on the highway, causing unnecessary delays in queues. Later, I went to a 4S store, and they fixed it perfectly—now I just breeze through toll stations, saving both time and money. A tip for new drivers: regularly check the adhesive's firmness and whether the signal light is on to ensure safe driving.