Where is the ETC installed on the vehicle?
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 N between 30 degrees and 90 degrees (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane). 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 should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC is the abbreviation of Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, 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 stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Here are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not block the view; 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 when installing ETC, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Install it behind the right side of the rearview mirror to avoid blocking the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but generally does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced, as it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, when installing, avoid the black areas on the windshield and do not install it in a position that easily blocks 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 below. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed casually, the anti-removal lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and making it unusable. You will then 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 range 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 sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, resulting in failed toll deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause the toll deduction to fail.
I've been driving for over a decade. The ETC device is usually installed on the car's front windshield, near the top close to the driver's seat, right next to the rearview mirror. This location isn't chosen randomly—because the toll station's antenna is positioned above the highway, placing it at the top of the windshield ensures direct signal reception, allowing automatic deduction as soon as you pass through, making it convenient and hassle-free. If the device is installed in the wrong position, such as near the passenger side or too low, signal interference may occur, and you could end up being stopped at the toll station for manual processing, which is troublesome. Additionally, avoid applying too much window tint or placing metal obstructions in that area of the glass, as this can weaken the signal and cause frequent malfunctions. When installing, use dedicated double-sided adhesive to secure it firmly—it's best to have a professional handle it to prevent it from falling off. Since driving often accumulates dust, it's recommended to occasionally clean that area to ensure good signal detection.
In extensive experience with vehicles, the placement of the ETC is crucial. It is generally affixed to the upper half of the driver-side windshield, avoiding the black metallic border areas. Why? This allows the signal receiver to directly align with the toll station equipment, reducing false alarms and malfunctions. If installed too close to the window edge or covered by debris, it can cause signal interruptions, forcing you to stop and handle the issue at the toll station, which wastes time. When installing, use a clean cloth to wipe the glass surface, ensuring the adhesive is firmly attached without wobbling. Some car owners take shortcuts by placing it on the dashboard, but this may affect signal reception—it's advisable to test before finalizing the position. Additionally, issues like battery aging can arise from poor placement, leading to unstable charging induction, so regular checks on the device's operational status are recommended.
As a new driver, I was unsure where to place the ETC device. The most common location is at the top of the windshield, near the rearview mirror inside the car. This ensures strong signal reception without obstructing the view or causing distraction. Placing it elsewhere, such as near the passenger side window, might result in weaker signals, and the toll system might fail to detect it, making the trip pointless. Some newer car models offer more flexible placement options, allowing you to test the position with a mobile app before fixing it. Installation is simple—just peel off the adhesive and stick it on, but avoid doing so on humid days as the adhesive may not hold well. Also, make sure no foreign objects block the device to maintain its efficiency.
