In my experience, setting the EZ Pass in the cut-out area leads to mixed results. Some toll readers simply do not pick up the signal. For example, the toll booths on the Powhite Parkway in Richmond VA never read my pass.

 

When I had mine near the mirror, I would randomly miss at least one reader and then get flagged by EZ pass with “administrative charges.” A royal pain. Happened in NJ, PA, and Delaware. Since I switched to the front plate transponder and zip tied it to front of my grille, I’ve had zero issues. I believe the issue is caused by the heated glass windshield.

 

I bought the external transponder planning to do something similar, but I discovered just tossing it on the dash works just fine. (I don’t use toll roads often). Unlike the windshield mount antennas that for me don’t work at all in the interior (except on the sunroof glass occasionally.)

 

Mine doesn’t have the “cutout” area.