Where to Place the ETC on the Car?

[MacAugust]

The installation position of the ETC 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 at a height of no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 and 90 degrees. For vehicles with built-in or later-installed explosion-proof film, which may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, 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 photocopied versions of their valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is made by someone other than 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 stamp. Additionally, a bank card linked to the owner's name for deducting highway tolls is needed, 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 large rearward tilt 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 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 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 rod connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield will press the anti-removal rod in. If the tag is removed arbitrarily, the rod 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 prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle ahead to avoid automatic toll deduction for the wrong vehicle. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour; driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to toll deduction failure. When using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause toll deduction failure.

[BradleyAnn]

As a professional frequently handling automotive electronic devices, I believe the optimal position for the ETC is on the inner side of the front windshield, near the rearview mirror area, typically located slightly above the center. This location provides clear visibility, does not interfere with the driving view, and ensures more stable signal reception, allowing for quick and successful scanning by toll station equipment. If placed too low, such as near the air vents or the edges of the sun visor, it may be exposed to direct sunlight, causing the device to overheat and fail. If placed too far to the side, such as above the passenger side, signal interference may occur. During installation, it is essential to clean the glass surface thoroughly to remove dust and grease, peel off the label, and press firmly for a few seconds to ensure a secure bond. Many car owners overlook the importance of this placement, leading to failed toll gate passages or repeated charging issues. From my observations, improper placement is one of the common causes of ETC malfunctions, and regular checks on the adhesive condition can prevent subsequent problems. For first-time installation, it is advisable to refer to the vehicle's manual or seek guidance from a professional technician to ensure both functionality and aesthetics.

[DelAlejandro]

I've been driving for almost twenty years, and I have a lot of experience with ETC placement. When I first installed it, I tried several spots myself and eventually found that the area near the rearview mirror in the upper center of the windshield works best. Why? Because it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view, and the toll gate’s radar can easily detect it. If you place it incorrectly—say, too low—the wipers might hit it, or worse, signal delays could force you to an awkward stop on the highway. Installation is simple: just clean the glass, peel off the adhesive, and stick it on. A fixed position also prevents the device from wobbling and causing distraction. In daily use, this spot is quite discreet and doesn’t affect the car’s overall aesthetics. Don’t forget to check the adhesive’s strength periodically, as extreme heat or frequent rain can weaken the glue and cause loosening. After years of using ETC, choosing the right position has made my trips much smoother.

[OEva]

As a young and new driver, I also didn't know the proper position when I first installed the ETC. It's usually placed in the central area of the front windshield, right next to the rearview mirror, slightly higher up. This location ensures strong signal reception and quick identification at toll stations. Incorrect placement, such as too close to the edge, may cause failure at the gate. Keep the glass clean during installation and press the tag firmly to secure it. Simply put, the right position doesn't interfere with driving and is very convenient to use.