Why should ETC be pasted on the dotted area?
4 Answers
ETC should be installed on the dotted area to avoid obstructing the driver's view and to ensure it can detect the toll station's detection equipment. ETC installation positions: For small vehicles such as cars and vans, the ETC card and OBU device should be installed on the upper middle part of the front windshield. For large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is on the lower middle part. ETC installation requirements: The height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane). The installation process for ETC devices is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly turn on. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front facing the driver and the back facing the front windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
As a frequent driver, when I installed the ETC, the technician always said it's best to stick it in the black dot area, also known as the frit area. The reason is quite practical—that spot is located at the top or side of the windshield, and the black dots are actually for anti-glare. Placing the ETC there won’t block your view at all. When driving, visibility is the most important thing. If something is stuck in the middle, it can distract you while looking at the road, especially at night when it’s prone to glare and reflections. Additionally, the frit area is relatively flat, so the adhesive sticks firmly and is less likely to come off. I once made the mistake of sticking it in the center of the glass, and during rain, the water droplets reflected and made it hard to see the road. After repositioning it, things improved a lot. In short, for safety and convenience, the frit area is the preferred spot—it saves you the hassle of repeated adjustments.
I think placing the ETC on the dotted area is mainly a reasonable design. As an ordinary car owner with years of driving experience, I understand that those black dots are specifically added to the car glass to reduce the reflection of direct sunlight. If you stick it randomly elsewhere, the light reflecting off the ETC surface can bounce back into your eyes, making you dizzy while driving and increasing the risk of accidents. The dotted area is located at the edge or top, which is discreet, neither obstructive nor unstable. Moreover, when installing the ETC, the device requires stable signal transmission, and there is less interference in that area. When I used to stick it randomly, the ETC sometimes failed to respond, causing delays at toll booths. Later, after following the advice to reposition it on the dotted area, the issue was resolved. Safety comes first, and moving it is just a small matter.
The pitted dots on car windows are a special anti-glare design, making it the perfect spot to mount your ETC device. Once fixed in place, it won't shift around and obstruct your driving view. Sticking it on the dotted area prevents glare interference, especially on highways where clear visibility ensures peace of mind. It's a simple and practical solution, which is why most installers recommend this location.
