Where Is the Best Place to Stick RFID on a Car?

If you’ve ever received a parking or access RFID sticker for your vehicle, you might wonder — where’s the best place to stick it for reliable scanning? Proper placement matters a lot more than most people think. A poorly positioned RFID tag can cause weak reads or total failures at entry gates.

Let’s go over the best spots to place your RFID sticker on a car, why they work, and how to install them correctly.

Best Places to Stick an RFID Sticker on a Car

1. Windshield — Behind the Rearview Mirror

This is the most common and reliable placement for most cars.

Here’s how to do it properly:

• Clean the area thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth with glass cleaner to remove dust or oil.
• Position the sticker on the upper passenger-side area behind or just beside the rearview mirror.
• Avoid metallic areas or electronic sensors. Some vehicles have heating elements or radar sensors in the windshield that can block RFID signals.

If your windshield has a metallic coating, look for a “clear zone” — usually a small shaded area without the reflective layer.

This location gives your RFID tag a clear line of sight to the reader while staying out of your main field of vision.

2. Left Headlamp (Exterior Surface)

If your windshield has a metallic film or special coating that interferes with RFID signals, placing the tag on a headlamp is a good alternative.

How to install it:

• Clean the headlamp before applying the sticker.
• Place the RFID tag on the outside surface of the left headlamp, facing the reader.
• Keep it about 5 cm away from any metal frames or edges to prevent signal interference.

This position works particularly well for self-installed tags mailed by parking or toll companies.

Tips

• Make sure the surface is completely dry before sticking the tag.
• Once applied, avoid peeling and reapplying — this can weaken the adhesive and damage the tag.
• Do not cover the RFID sticker with tinted film or protective plastic.
• If you have multiple RFID tags, keep them spaced apart to prevent interference.

Why Placement Is Important

RFID tags communicate using radio waves, and metal surfaces or dense materials can block or distort the signal. That’s why proper placement — away from metal, wipers, or heavy electronics — ensures scanning happens every time you approach a gate or parking system.

When You Need an RFID Sticker Copy

If your RFID windshield tag or long-range parking sticker ever stops working or you need an extra for a second vehicle, you can easily get a duplicate made ONLY at FobToronto (our headquarters) 

RFID windshield tag duplication is not available at any of our MiniFob locations!

Final Thoughts: Where Is the Best Place to Stick RFID on a Car?

Knowing where to stick your RFID tag can save you time and frustration. Whether you choose the windshield or headlamp placement, the key is keeping it clean, visible, and free from interference.

And if your RFID sticker ever fails or you simply need a spare, check out our headquarters at FobToronto, and get quick, accurate copies — for any other RFID duplication (key fobs), and keys, check out our store locator to find your closest store near you.