Toll Tag Transponders / Rivian Windshields

[yizzung]

Surprising that this topic hasn't been discussed but a search found zero results... Google search came up empty too.

In the SF Bay Area we have a system called FasTrak for bridges/tolls (https://www.bayareafastrak.org/). The transponders typically get mounted anywhere on the inside of the windshield -- mine is just above the rear view mirror in my ICE.

Apparently Tesla and Range Rover owners can't just mount the thing anywhere due to the makeup of the windshield. There are specific areas designed for the transponder to go. If you mount them outside these zones, the transponders don't work, according to the fine folks at FasTrak. They recommend having the Tesla/Land Rover dealer install them for you.

They asked me if the Rivian had this type of glass and I said that I didn't know but that I'm a member of a message board that knows all the answers. So, let's hear it. Stick them anywhere and they work fine? Or special zones?

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[metroman99]

I always had a problem with my older Model S, never worked. Our Model 3 doesn't have that type of windshield, and we've never had an issue.

I placed my Texas toll tag to the right of my rear view mirror in my R1T, and although I haven't had it tested, it seems to be reading just fine. I checked my account just now, and it shows the two toll tag lanes I went through this morning on the way to work. If it was just reading the plate, it would take it a couple of days to show up.

 

[Ladiver]

My transponder registered a toll last week. I have it in the lower driver's side corner.

 

[yizzung]

My transponder registered a toll last week. I have it in the lower driver's side corner.

Great. So can confirm that either Rivians do not have special glass and/or that you are one lucky sob that perfectly nailed the placement on the first try...

 

[mrfari]

Upper Right windshield, top of the passenger side next to the rearview, using NYC fastrak, they are taking my money can confirm on numerous occasions. you should be good.

 

[timesinks]

Top edge of the windshield just to the right of the rearview mirror / camera assembly for us. I'm not 100% sure it works since we get plate-matched if there's no transponder detected. But I think it's working...

 

[DJG]

The windshield is nothing but plain glass, which is why it's in such need of ceramic tinting to block heat. I'm guessing others have metallic coatings and such that interfere with these signals.

 

[crashmtb]

The windshield is nothing but plain glass, which is why it's in such need of ceramic tinting to block heat. I'm guessing others have metallic coatings and such that interfere with these signals.

I’d think it’s more an issue with the elements for the heated windshields on those cars, which Rivian doesn’t have.

 

[scooter]

Mine is in the same location as mrfari above and I run it up and down the tollway in Illinois (iPass), works fine

 

[shumdit]

I’d think it’s more an issue with the elements for the heated windshields on those cars, which Rivian doesn’t have.

My Teslas (s and X)don’t have heated windshields other than conventional air fed. However our Range Rover does have the integration of the electric elements in the glass.

 

[crashmtb]

My Teslas (s and X)don’t have heated windshields other than conventional air fed. However our Range Rover does have the integration of the electric elements in the glass.

Ah, model S/X used to come standard with heated windshield. Now they just have a defrosting element where the wipers park

 

[moondog417]

The windshield is nothing but plain glass, which is why it's in such need of ceramic tinting to block heat. I'm guessing others have metallic coatings and such that interfere with these signals.

Ah, model S/X used to come standard with heated windshield. Now they just have a defrosting element where the wipers park

I was told by Tesla long ago (2014) that the reason is the metallic coating and there was a specific area not coated (I don’t remember where as I sold it in 2017)

My wife’s Sienna and my LEAF both indicate in the owners manual the coating is why. They show an image of where to place transponders. You can also look for the little black dots on any windshield to get the proper location. Very often next to the rear view mirror.

Not in the manual, but it’s basically a Faraday cage and prevents EM radiation from passing through.

 

[Scotsol]

NJ here and my tag is on the passenger side, works 100% of the time on the Garden State Parkway and fails 50-60% of the time on the NJ Turnpike so go figure!

 

[swhme]

For me, my ez-pass transponder wouldn’t read to the right of the camera pod. I moved it to directly below the cameras and it reads perfectly.

 

[FirstStateR1T]

I had my EzPass transponder on the left side of the camera/rear view and it was nothing but trouble reading. I placed it beneath the camera/mirror pod and its better at a maybe 70% reading. Maybe I will give the right side a try...

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