Where should the vehicle ETC be installed?
2 Answers
The ETC installation position 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 appropriate 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 microwave communication signal transmission, the ETC 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 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 toll fees is required, and the vehicle must be registered under an individual aged between 18 and 60. 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 windshields with a steep angle, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, 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 consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on 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 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 paying for the vehicle in front due to its ETC device malfunction, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information and cause toll deduction failure. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also lead to toll deduction failure.
From my years of driving experience, the ideal position to install an ETC device is at the top center of the windshield's interior, near the rearview mirror. This ensures strong signal reception without obstructing the driver's view. When installing, make sure to clean the glass thoroughly and secure the device firmly, avoiding areas with metallic film as it may interfere with toll booth recognition. The height of the installation also matters—too high can affect signal stability, while too low may block the view or cause the device to age faster due to sun exposure. I've seen cases where improper installation led to frequent malfunctions, so it's best to have it done by a professional for peace of mind and safety. A flashing green light indicates normal operation, and regular checks can help extend the device's lifespan.
