Where is the ETC installed on the windshield?

[LeJulian]

The installation position of the 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 lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, 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, the ETC should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection 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 handled by a proxy, the proxy's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page stamped 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 from the vehicle owner (with official seal); Copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); Original ID card of the proxy; Original vehicle registration certificate; Vehicle for which ETC is to be installed. Here 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 rearward tilt angle, which reduces 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 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 for self-charging. 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 on the windshield, the anti-removal lever is pressed in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. In such cases, you need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Notes for using ETC: 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 toll payment for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. If the vehicle speed is too fast, the device information cannot be read, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.

[OConnor]

I used to install the ETC device on the upper inner area of the windshield, near the rearview mirror. This spot is particularly convenient because when driving through highway toll stations, the toll antenna can directly scan the signal without any obstruction. During installation, I used double-sided tape for fixation, making sure to clean the glass thoroughly beforehand to prevent the adhesive from loosening. Why choose this location? Unlike the side windows with dark tint films that may interfere, the windshield ensures good signal transmission without affecting the driver's visibility. A common issue is the adhesive potentially coming off in high summer temperatures, so I check the tape's adhesion every season. It's fine to position it slightly left or right, but avoid placing it too low to block the view or too close to the metal rearview mirror bracket. Personally, I recommend getting it installed professionally once to learn the proper method and avoid repeated adjustments. Overall, this location is efficient and practical, giving a strong sense of security while driving.

[VonAaliyah]

My car's ETC is placed quite well, positioned towards the rear on the inner side of the windshield, basically parallel to the rearview mirror. With this installation, the toll station scanner can easily detect the device without missing any signals. As a car owner, I've found that the position shouldn't be too far forward or too high to avoid obstructing the driver's view and distracting attention while driving. The installation is simple—just peel off the adhesive tape and stick it on, but make sure the windshield surface is dry and clean. Once, the adhesive wasn't strong enough, and the ETC malfunctioned, but it worked fine after I reattached it. Why choose that spot? The windshield material allows signals to pass through, unlike the roof or door panels, which have metal obstructions. The placement is also quite flexible—some cars have it slightly to the left, others to the right, depending on the rearview mirror design. A reminder to everyone: after installation, test the function before driving to ensure everything works properly.

[KingRose]

The ETC device is fixed on the windshield, primarily in the area near the rearview mirror. This height is suitable for smooth communication with the toll station's antenna. During installation, I prioritize a flat spot and press it firmly with the included adhesive tape. Positioning is crucial—too high affects aesthetics, too low obstructs the view. The inner side of the windshield ensures excellent signal transmission, avoiding interference from metal coatings. Common issues like adhesive failure require prompt replacement. In actual driving, this position proves stable and reliable without wasting space.

[Ellen]

In my experience, the ETC device should be installed on the upper inner side of the windshield, typically in one of the gaps on either side of the rearview mirror. This position avoids obstructing the driving view and prevents additional hazards in case of an accident. It's mounted using double-sided tape, and the surface must be cleaned of dust and grease before application. Signal reception relies on the transparent material of the windshield, so be cautious with metalized films that might cause interference. During long-term use, a stable position ensures quick ETC response, but high summer temperatures can soften the adhesive tape, requiring attention to maintenance. Avoid positioning it too high or too low to ensure it doesn't interfere with reversing or turning. For safety, I always check the installation point before long trips to ensure it hasn't loosened. If the device falls off, reinstall it promptly to prevent service interruption.

[LeElaina]

Mounting the ETC device next to the rearview mirror on the windshield is the most hassle-free option. I once tried placing it on the dashboard, but toll stations frequently failed to recognize it. After relocating it to the windshield position, it worked smoothly. Choose a flat and easily adhesive spot on the upper inner side of the windshield for better ventilation and strong signal reception. Installation takes just a few minutes—simply press the adhesive tape firmly. Why recommend this position? It doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view, and the windshield material allows perfect signal transmission without metal impurities found in other areas. Personally, I encountered a minor issue where the adhesive loosened after rain, but wiping it dry and reattaching solved it. With a fixed position for daily driving, the ETC operates seamlessly and may even extend the device’s lifespan. Adjust the placement flexibly based on your car model, avoiding the edges of the glass to prevent vibration.