FASTag Rules and Regulations

The Government introduced FASTags in order to avoid the inconvenience of waiting in long queues at the toll plazas. A FASTag is a sticker tag that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to make automatic electronic payments at the toll plazas. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highway introduced FASTag in India in 2017.

The registration details of your vehicle are linked to a barcode present in your FASTag. As a result, whenever your vehicle passes through a toll plaza, the barcode will be scanned and the relevant toll fee will be deducted from your digital FASTag wallet.

New FASTag Rules and Regulations You Should Know

Here are the new rules about FASTags you should be aware of:

• According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), it is mandatory for all vehicle owners to use FASTags with effect from February 2021.
• In case your FASTag does not work at a FASTag toll lane, the toll charges will be doubled. Therefore, before you enter a toll lane, make sure that the RFID barcode is not damaged and your FASTag wallet has sufficient balance.
• As per the new guidelines issued by the NHAI, the waiting time at the toll plazas must not be more than 10 seconds. You will not have to pay any toll charges if the waiting time exceeds 10 seconds.
• If you do not have a FASTag and want to cross a toll plaza, you will have to pay twice as much as the standard toll rates. Therefore, it is advisable to install a FASTag if you wish to save time and money.
• According to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, you should mandatorily possess third party insurance. A FASTag must be assigned to your vehicle’s registration number if you want to purchase third party insurance. Therefore, even if you don’t drive on highways, you still have to install a FASTag.
• The validity of your FASTag is five years. To maintain sufficient balance, make sure to recharge the tag on time.
• As per the NHAI rules, vehicle queues at the toll plazas should not exceed 100 metres. This facilitates a smooth flow of traffic. Each toll lane will be marked with a yellow line at a distance of 100 metres from the toll booth. If your vehicle is waiting in a queue beyond the specified distance, you will be allowed to proceed without paying any toll charges.
• A FASTag is linked to the registration number of your vehicle. So, you can use only one FASTag per vehicle. If you use a FASTag for multiple vehicles, you will be penalised.

FAQs on FASTag New Rules and Regulations

1. What is the validity of a FASTag?

   The validity of a FASTag is five years.

2. Is a FASTag mandatory?

   Yes. According to the NHAI, it is mandatory for all vehicle owners to use FASTags.

3. Can I use one FASTag for multiple vehicles?

   No, you can use only one FASTag per vehicle.

4. Can I cross a toll plaza without a FASTag?

   If you want to cross a toll plaza without a FASTag, you will have to pay double the toll charges.

5. How can I replace my FASTag?

   You can replace your FASTag by visiting the website of your bank or the NETC customer service desk.

6. Does FASTag work on all state highway tolls?

   FASTag has been implemented on all the National highways and some state highways. However, it is recommended that you visit your bank’s website to get the list of FASTag-enabled plazas to confirm that it works on the highways you use.

7. What if my FASTag gets damaged?

   If your FASTag gets damaged, you can get it replaced by contacting your FASTag issuing bank.