Where to place ETC on the car?
3 Answers
The ETC device is generally installed on the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles such as trucks and buses, it is installed on the lower middle part. The suitable 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 anti-explosion film or those that have been retrofitted with anti-explosion film, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, and thus should be installed in the microwave skylight zone. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, which means electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, the vehicle owner needs to provide their valid ID card and the original and photocopy of the 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 seal. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also required, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. For company vehicles, the required documents include: An introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); photocopy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); original ID card of the agent; original vehicle registration certificate; and the vehicle that needs to apply for ETC. 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 inclination angle of the windshield, which can reduce 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 obstructing the view. Do not affect 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 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 the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed arbitrarily, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then 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, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, leading to failed toll deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction to fail.
When installing the ETC device, I prefer placing it in the upper area of the windshield, near the rearview mirror, as this ensures strong signal reception without obstructing the view. In my old sedan, installing it on the right corner works perfectly, with quick detection at toll stations. Placing it too high can cause glare while driving, while too low may lead to signal blockage by the dashboard. Before installation, remember to clean the glass thoroughly and use the provided adhesive to secure it firmly, preventing it from falling off during driving. Choose a spot that isn’t directly exposed to sunlight to avoid overheating the device. Some cars have explosion-proof film on the rear windshield, which doesn’t affect installation, but vehicles with metal film should avoid metal areas. Selecting the right position ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience on highways. I recommend regularly checking if the device is loose to prevent issues at toll stations and avoid extra trouble. Proper placement is key to efficient travel.
I chose to place the ETC device on the side of the windshield near the rearview mirror, which ensures both unobstructed visibility and stable signal reception. The device itself is solar-powered, so the position should receive moderate sunlight but avoid prolonged direct exposure to prevent malfunctions. The installation process is simple: clean the glass surface thoroughly before firmly attaching the device, and adjust the height to ensure it doesn’t wobble. My car has limited space, but a slightly off-center position doesn’t affect recognition performance. Signal issues are often caused by incorrect placement, such as near the corners of the windshield or metal frames, which can interfere with transmission. I’ve used double-sided tape for years without any detachment, ensuring efficient highway toll passage. For first-time installation in a new car, I recommend testing the device’s response at toll stations a few times and making minor adjustments if necessary to enhance its lifespan and practicality, making daily driving more convenient.
