Where is the ETC installed?
2 Answers
The ETC is generally installed on the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles such as trucks and buses, the installation position is on the lower middle part. The suitable 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 explosion-proof film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, the ETC should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection, which is an 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 a proxy, the proxy'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. For company vehicles, the required documents include: A letter of introduction from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original ID card of the proxy; original vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle for which ETC is to be installed. 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 a large inclination angle of the windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If the ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror 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 that can charge itself. 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 the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the anti-removal 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.
The ETC device is usually installed on the windshield inside the car, typically in the upper area on the driver's side, such as the top left corner or slightly to the left of the center, which makes it easiest for the toll station cameras to scan without obstructing the view. When installing, choose a clean and flat spot, secure it firmly with specialized adhesive tape or a bracket, and avoid the wiper range and the curved parts of the front windshield. From personal experience, positioning it too high may block the signal due to the car roof, while placing it too low can affect driving visibility. In summer, avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating and malfunctions. Some vehicle models, like SUVs, may require slight adjustments to the center position for easier recognition by front and rear cameras. In short, DIY installation is simple: clean the glass first, test the position before fixing it, and avoid moving it around to prevent loosening.
