Where is the ETC installed on a car?
2 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 suitable installation position should be no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters in height, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, it should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and driving license. If the application is not made by the owner, 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 required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Documents required for official vehicles: Introduction letter of 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 driving license of the vehicle; Vehicle that needs to install ETC. Here are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not block the line of sight. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large inclination angle of the windshield, which reduces the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid blocking 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 do not install it in a position 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 it is removed casually, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and making it unusable. You will need to go to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note that: 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, leading to charging failure. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance will also cause charging failure.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, let me tell you: the best place to install your ETC device is on the uppermost inner section of the windshield, typically near the rearview mirror area where it won't obstruct your view. Why this spot? Because overhead antennas at toll stations can directly detect the device signal here, preventing misreads or delays. Having installed several myself, I recommend first cleaning the glass surface with alcohol before peeling off the adhesive backing to attach it straight - misalignment affects aesthetics. Avoid positioning it too low where it might block visibility or risk detachment during hot summers. Periodically check the plug connection and battery level to avoid embarrassing toll booth delays. In short, this location combines convenience and practicality - installation takes mere minutes, eliminating manual card handling and queueing.
