Where should the ETC be installed?
3 Answers
The ETC is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield for passenger cars, 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 between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof films, which may affect microwave signal transmission, the ETC should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC stands for Electronic Toll Collection. To apply for an ETC, the vehicle owner needs to provide original and photocopies of their valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If someone else is handling the application on behalf of the owner, they must also bring their own valid ID card. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Additionally, a bank card for deducting highway tolls is required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Documents required for company-owned vehicles: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); a photocopy 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 the ETC is to be installed. Here are some precautions for ETC installation: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install the ETC behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a steep incline, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC without considering this may increase blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can help avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas of the windshield and positions that might block the solar panel. Do not remove the ETC once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. Once the ETC is installed, the windshield presses the lever in. If the ETC is removed, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. In such cases, the user must visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing a single device.
I've driven quite a few cars, and ETC devices are usually installed in the upper area of the windshield in front of the driver, either to the right or left of the rearview mirror, with the exact position being adjustable. This location is well-chosen because it doesn't obstruct the view, allowing for a clear sight of the road conditions while driving. When installing it myself, I use alcohol wipes to clean the glass thoroughly before attaching the device to ensure it sticks firmly—otherwise, it might loosen or fall off due to bumps on the highway. The ETC's sensing antenna should face directly toward the toll booth's reader for quick fee deduction without stopping. If it's positioned too low or too far to the side, signal reception can become problematic, leading to the toll booth failing to recognize it, which would be quite troublesome. Some people worry about battery issues, but in reality, ETC consumes very little power, staying dormant most of the time and only needing an occasional charge. Overall, installing it at the top center of the windshield is the most hassle-free option.
As a guy who frequently helps people install car equipment, let me tell you that the ETC is usually stuck right in the center at the top of the windshield, right next to the rearview mirror. The purpose of this arrangement is to avoid the main line of sight, ensuring a clear view and not affecting driving safety. During the installation process, I always emphasize cleaning the glass surface thoroughly and using special glue to secure it firmly to prevent shaking. Signal reception is crucial; if the position is too low or off-center, the highway gantries might not detect it, leading to incorrect charges, and then you'd have to go through manual processing, which is time-consuming. The ETC has a small internal battery that doesn't consume much power, so charging it every six months is usually enough. Here's a little tip: during installation, check if the device's indicator light turns on normally, and only consider the job done after confirming everything is working. In short, choosing the right spot can make driving more secure and efficient.
