Windshield tag
Specialty tags
What is it?
A windshield tag is a UHF RFID label designed to be applied to vehicle windshields for automatic vehicle identification (AVI). The tag is applied to the inside of the glass, typically in the top-centre area, and read by overhead or side-mounted readers at toll plazas, parking facilities, and gated communities. The antenna is specifically tuned for glass and to avoid interference from the vehicle body.
How it works
The UHF inlay uses a specialised antenna designed to perform through glass. A metallic shielding layer on the back of the tag prevents reads from outside the vehicle (security measure) and isolates the antenna from the metal roof. The tag is applied with a tamper-evident adhesive that destroys the tag if removal is attempted, preventing transfer between vehicles.
Use cases
- Electronic toll collection
- Parking access control
- Gated community vehicle identification
- Fleet management
- Car wash loyalty programs
- Border crossing identification
Pros
- Hands-free vehicle identification at speed
- Tamper-evident – cannot be transferred
- Long read range through glass
- No battery required (unlike some older toll tags)
- Works in all weather conditions
Cons
- Must be tuned for glass – does not work on metal
- Metallic windshield coatings can block the signal
- Single-vehicle use – tamper-evident adhesive
- Read performance varies with glass type and tint
Specifications
| Power type | Passive – powered by reader signal |
|---|---|
| Frequency | UHF (860–960 MHz) |
| Read range | 5–12 m |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
| Price range | $0.50–$3.00 per unit |
| Environmental rating | Automotive environment; -40°C to +85°C behind glass |