Where is the ETC installed in the car?
4 Answers
The installation position of ETC 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 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 been retrofitted with anti-explosion 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 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 not done by the owner themselves, the agent must also bring their valid ID card. 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 required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Documents required for official vehicles: Letter of introduction from the vehicle owner (with official seal); Copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); Original ID card of the agent; Original vehicle registration certificate; Vehicle that needs to apply for ETC. 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 a large tilt angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not affect 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 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 arbitrarily, the anti-removal guide rod 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 is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Things to note when using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing area 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 in front to avoid automatic toll payment for the vehicle ahead. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle device information, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.
Last time when I helped my dad install the ETC, I specifically researched the placement. This thing must be stuck on the dotted black area at the top center of the windshield, right behind the rearview mirror. Why exactly there? Because only this part of the windshield won’t block the signal, and the solar panel can still get sunlight. Be careful to avoid the heating wire positions, or the glue might melt during defogging. After installation, make sure to drive through a toll station to test if it can be detected—my neighbor installed it crookedly and the barrier wouldn’t lift, wasting half the day in line. The most annoying part was when the glue didn’t hold, and it fell off with a slap in the hot weather, requiring reactivation.
Never install the ETC device randomly! It must be placed in the central area behind the rearview mirror on the front windshield. My best friend installed it on the side and later found it didn't work—the toll station couldn't detect it, forcing her to reverse and go through again. The black grid area has a metal coating that blocks signals, so be sure to avoid it. The installer told me the optimal position is about 5 cm to the right of the rearview mirror base, which doesn't obstruct the view and ensures high charging efficiency. By the way, remember to clean the glass thoroughly before installation, or else it might fall off after a couple of months like mine did—once it's covered in dust, it won't stick back on.
The ETC card holder should be adhered to the upper middle part of the windshield, directly behind the rearview mirror. This involves two key points: signal reception and solar charging. I've tested different positions - if mounted on the side window, it fails three out of ten times at toll stations. Note that the black ceramic dot area shouldn't be covered by more than one-third, otherwise the device may overheat. Press firmly for thirty seconds during installation - it bonds more securely after summer sun exposure. After installation, remember to test the indicator light by inserting and removing a credit card - successful activation is confirmed when the green light turns on.
