Where should ETC be installed on a vehicle?
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 upper 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 built-in or later-added 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, the owner needs to provide the original and photocopy of the valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed. The vehicle must be under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. For units or companies, the organization code certificate (or business license) and official seal are required. 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 during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can 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 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 casually: 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 casually, the anti-removal guide rod 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 range 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 speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, leading to a failed deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause a failed deduction.
I've thought about installing the ETC device. The best spot is the middle-right area of the windshield—that black dotted grid zone to the right of the rearview mirror works perfectly. This location ensures good signal reception without blocking your driving view. I once saw someone lazily stick it on the passenger side, and it kept failing to scan at highway tolls—took three reinstallations to fix. Remember to avoid metal-coated sunshade areas, or the signal will be dead. Helped a buddy install his once, but his inspection stickers crowded the top edge, forcing a slanted ETC mount. Later, he had to roll down his window at every toll gate—super annoying. Press firmly after installation; a loose suction cup is a headache.
