Can Weather Conditions Affect Your VEP RFID Scan?

You've done everything right: your VEP is active, your eWallet is topped up, and your RFID tag is placed correctly. Yet, as you approach the gantry during a torrential downpour, the barrier fails to lift. Could the weather be to blame?

Of all weather conditions, heavy rain is the most likely to cause issues. RFID works by transmitting radio waves between your tag and the overhead scanner. Here's how a downpour can interfere:

• Signal Absorption: Water is very effective at absorbing radio frequency (RF) energy. A thick sheet of water flowing down your windscreen can weaken the signal just enough to prevent a successful scan.
• Signal Distortion: The uneven layer of water and the rapid movement of your windscreen wipers can sometimes scatter or distort the RF signal, making it difficult for the reader to get a clean lock.

Generally, haze and fog have a negligible effect on RFID signals. The water droplets in fog are too small and dispersed to significantly absorb the radio waves used for VEP scans.

• Get the Placement Right: This is your best defence. A tag placed in the optimal position will have the strongest possible signal, making it less susceptible to weather interference. This is where professional installation from MyMechanic makes a huge difference.
• Keep Your Windscreen Clean: Before a trip, especially during rainy season, give your windscreen a good clean. A layer of dirt combined with rain can make scanning more difficult.
• Slow Down on Approach: When approaching the gantry in heavy rain, drive a little slower than you normally would. This gives the scanner a fraction of a second longer to lock onto your tag's signal.

The best way to minimize weather-related issues is to start with a perfect installation. Our technicians at MyMechanic are experts in VEP tag placement. We ensure your tag is positioned for the strongest signal, giving you the best possible chance of a successful scan, rain or shine.

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