Where Should ETC Be Placed?
3 Answers
For small cars, the ETC device is generally installed in the upper-middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles such as trucks and buses, the installation position is in the middle-lower 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. If the vehicle has a sunshade film or if one is applied later, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, and the device should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner needs to provide a valid ID card and the original and photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent must also provide a valid ID card. 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 required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged 18 to 60. Documents required for company vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); a copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); the original ID card of the agent; the original vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle for which ETC is to be applied. 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 spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with 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 blackened areas of the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: 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 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 will need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Things to note when 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 ahead to avoid automatic toll payment for the front vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.
When I installed the ETC on my car before, I tried several locations. In the end, I found the best spot is the top center of the windshield, right behind the rearview mirror. Why? Because the signal reception is stable there, it doesn’t obstruct the view, and it responds quickly at toll booths. I remember the first time I placed it too low, the signal was weak and often couldn’t be read; later, after moving it to this position, everything worked smoothly. When installing, make sure to firmly secure it with the adhesive provided by the manufacturer and avoid blocking the front windshield view. During normal driving, if the position is right, the ETC works reliably, and the automatic toll deduction on highways is hassle-free. I recommend cleaning the glass before installation to prevent it from coming loose. If your car has a metalized film, the placement needs to be even more precise to avoid interference.
The ETC device operates via RFID signals, and it's best placed at the top of the windshield for strong signal penetration. Choose a position in the upper left or right corner of the windshield, near the rearview mirror area, where there are fewer signal dead zones. The glass material has little impact, but metal films can weaken performance. Secure it firmly with double-sided tape to avoid loosening. After installation, test it multiple times at toll stations to ensure quick recognition. Occasionally, the device may run out of power and need charging; placing it high makes it harder to forget. Considering vehicle design, the front windshield often has a specially treated area for more stable signals, which professionals recommend. Never place it randomly on the dashboard, as it leads to poor signal reception and poses safety risks.
