Where to Place the ETC on a Car?

[McFelix]

The ETC installation position for small cars is generally in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is installed in the middle to 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 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with built-in or later-installed explosion-proof film, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, and thus should be installed in the microwave sunroof area. ETC stands for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply, the vehicle owner needs to provide the original and photocopies of their valid ID card and vehicle license. If the application is handled by a non-owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed, and the vehicle must be registered under an individual aged between 18 and 60. Documents required for company vehicles: Introduction letter from the vehicle owner (with official seal); Copy of the organization code certificate or business license (with official seal); Original ID card of the agent; Original vehicle license; The vehicle that needs to apply for ETC. Here are the precautions for installing ETC: Do not block the view; it is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large inclination angle for 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 spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid blocking 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, avoid installing it on the black area of the windshield or where it 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. Precautions for 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 in front to avoid automatic toll deduction for the front vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information may not be read, leading to a failed toll deduction. When using a debit card to bind ETC, insufficient balance may also cause a failed toll deduction.

[DelJayce]

When installing an ETC device, it is generally recommended to place it on the inside of the car's front windshield near the rearview mirror, slightly to the right. The reason is simple: this location offers an unobstructed view and doesn't interfere with driving visibility, while also ensuring stable signal reception from highway toll station transmitters. If placed too low or too far to the side, the windshield's dark explosion-proof film or metallic coating may interfere with the signal, causing the ETC gate to malfunction—I've personally experienced this frustrating situation and had to go back to readjust the position. During installation, make sure the glass surface is clean and flat, press the adhesive firmly after peeling off the sticker, and then power on the device to test it multiple times for peace of mind. Don’t overlook daily maintenance—wipe the area periodically to prevent dust buildup from affecting performance. Once the position is set, automatic toll deduction on highways is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need to queue.

[AylaFitz]

Let me elaborate on the optimal ETC installation location. The best position is usually slightly above the center of the windshield's rearview mirror area, slightly towards the driver's side. This design ensures driving safety by not obstructing the view while allowing the antenna to efficiently receive toll gate signals to avoid failures. Improper placement, such as on thick explosion-proof film areas or near air vents, may cause signal attenuation or even failure, potentially leading to incorrect toll charges in severe cases. Vehicle-specific factors must also be considered - some older vehicles have metal layers in their windshields that should be avoided. It's recommended to test the response speed at one or two toll stations after installation. Once positioned, avoid moving the device frequently to prevent adhesive tape loosening and reliability issues.

[DeMaximus]

When installing the ETC, I just chose the upper middle position of the windshield near the right side of the rearview mirror, and it was easily done. Just don't place it too far to the edge to avoid unstable signals and errors when passing through highway tolls. The installation process is super simple—just align it, stick it firmly, and activate the device. I've tested it a few times at toll stations, and the response was smooth. Once fixed in place, you don't need to worry about it during daily driving—it automatically deducts the fee, saving time and effort. Related topic: If the device falls off, just replace it with new adhesive tape—it's very convenient.

[OBennett]

The placement of the ETC device is crucial. Years of driving experience have taught me that mounting it near the interior rearview mirror on the windshield, slightly above the center, is the most reliable. Position deviations, such as placing it too low or too far to the side, can result in signal reception failure at highway toll gates, leading to toll collection failures and the hassle of making additional payments. When installing, choose a flat and clean area to ensure a firm attachment, and regularly check the adhesive tape to prevent aging and detachment. Improper placement may also affect the device's lifespan. I've seen novices install it in the wrong spot, resulting in the device being damaged by sun exposure and requiring a troublesome reinstallation. Once the position is correctly set, everything runs smoothly, making driving more worry-free.