Where should the ETC be placed on the vehicle?
3 Answers
The ETC installation position for passenger 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 less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters in height, with an installation angle between 30 to 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 non-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. 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. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have windshields with a large tilt angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If the ETC is installed without considering this, it may increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it on the right side behind the rearview mirror can help avoid obstructing the view. Do not interfere with charging: The ETC electronic tag requires 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 arbitrarily: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever connected to a switch. After installation, 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. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid issues caused by the malfunction of the ETC device of the vehicle in front, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to prevent automatic payment for the vehicle in front. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at a speed of 20 km/h. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to payment failure. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
When it comes to where to place the ETC device on the car, my experience is that it is usually attached to the inside of the windshield, near the rearview mirror, which is the upper part of the large transparent glass above the dashboard. The reason is simple: that area of the windshield directly faces the ETC antenna when passing through toll stations, ensuring the device is easily recognized with high reading efficiency. Another advantage of placing it there is that it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view, as the high position prevents it from being blocked by objects or hands, unlike if it were placed on a side window. During installation, it’s important to clean the glass surface thoroughly—wipe off dust with a damp cloth, let it dry, and then firmly press the ETC device in place to avoid the adhesive failing and the device falling off later. I’ve seen friends place it incorrectly, such as on the dashboard, where it overheated and got damaged under the sun, or too low, causing unstable signals and toll station recognition failures. So, always choose the area around the rearview mirror on the windshield, secure it properly, and check the adhesive regularly to prevent it from falling off while driving, which could pose a safety risk. This way, daily driving becomes much more hassle-free.
I learned a great tip when installing my ETC device: stick it on the inside of the windshield right next to the rearview mirror, usually near the top center of the glass. Choosing the right spot ensures the toll station antenna instantly captures the signal, enabling super-fast fee deduction and saving queuing time. That location also prevents sun damage, as the rearview mirror area often provides some shade, keeping temperatures moderate. Before installation, I cleaned the glass with alcohol to remove grease and pressed the device firmly for dozens of seconds to ensure strong adhesion. I once tried mounting it on the small front door window, but the car couldn’t be detected in the ETC lane, wasting time—later, a staff member suggested moving it to the windshield, and it worked perfectly. I recommend avoiding metal-coated surfaces or overly low areas, as those spots suffer from significant signal interference. Just keep the device clean and dust-free during daily driving—minimal maintenance is needed. Once fixed in the right position, it ensures smooth passage all year round.
