Where is the ETC installed in a car?
3 Answers
The ETC installation position for small cars is generally in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles such as trucks and buses, it is installed in the lower middle part. The appropriate installation position should be at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, and thus should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC is the abbreviation for Electronic Toll Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner needs to provide original and photocopied documents of their valid ID and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is handled by a non-owner, the agent's valid ID must also be provided. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection seal. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Below are the 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 tilt angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spots. 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 that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it casually: 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 casually, 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 issues caused by the ETC device of the vehicle in front 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 recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and thus failed toll deduction. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction to fail.
As a car enthusiast who frequently drives on highways, the ETC device is usually installed in the upper center of the windshield, right next to the area beside the rearview mirror. This location is well-designed as it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view, preventing distractions while driving. It is typically affixed to the glass using specialized double-sided tape, and during installation, it’s crucial to ensure the surface is clean and dry for a secure hold. The signal reception is also better here because the glass near the roof edge has a moderate thickness, which doesn’t interfere with the wireless communication between the device and toll stations. Having installed it myself a few times, I’ve found that the ETC operates stably in this position, enabling quick and convenient highway access and reducing the hassle of stopping to pay tolls. Maintenance is simple—just wipe the device surface while cleaning the windshield to prevent dust buildup from affecting its solar charging function. The installation location should also avoid the coverage area of the driver-side camera to prevent obstruction during automatic function tests. Choosing the right position significantly improves daily travel efficiency and safety.
When I first bought my car and had the ETC installed, the technician directly fixed it near the rearview mirror on the windshield. Out of curiosity, I asked why it was placed there, and they explained that it was the optimal position—not obstructing the view while ensuring strong signal reception, without compromising driving safety. The installation process was quick, simply secured with strong adhesive. After using it, I found it incredibly convenient—no need to queue at highway tolls, and the automatic deduction was as fast as a blink. During regular car washes, I make sure to clean around the device to prevent water stains from affecting the adhesive. With the right placement, using the ETC is hassle-free. Driving through toll stations without stopping saves a lot of time. Before installation, it's best to check the windshield's flatness to avoid poor positioning that might cause the device to loosen and affect performance. Overall, the experience is user-friendly, and even beginners can easily get the hang of it.
