FASTag Rules

Well, FASTag is basically an electronic payment system that permits you to pay at a toll booth online. According to traffic legislation, every vehicle must have a tag affixed for cashless payments at the toll booth.

Long lines for making payments at the toll booth may be avoided by installing a FASTag, a rectangular-shaped small tag equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that allows cashless payment at the toll plazas of national highways. It was established by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway in 2017 to address driver inconveniences with cash payments. The tag also alleviates long lines and traffic jams at toll plazas.

The RFID-based sticker is applied to the windscreen of a car so that the tag reader at the toll booth may wirelessly scan it and automatically process the payment. It's linked to Savings or a Prepaid Account from which thy toll is deducted. You don't need to wait for a cash transaction since the charge is subtracted when your car moves through the toll plaza. According to the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), installing a FASTag is mandatory beginning 1 April 2021.

Aside from the mandate, the Government has enacted several FASTag rules. Let us take a look at each one of them in detail:

● It is Compulsory to Have FASTag installed on the car

As per the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), every car owner (be it personal cars or commercial vehicles) will be required to use FASTag beginning in February 2021.

● Check That Your FASTag Works

If your FASTag doesn't work at a FASTag toll lane, the tolls will be doubled. As a result, before entering a toll lane, double-check that the RFID barcode is not broken and that your FASTag wallet has adequate money.

• Waiting Time

According to the NHAI's new criteria, the waiting time at toll plazas should not exceed 10 seconds. If the waiting time goes beyond 10 seconds, you won't be charged a toll.

• Double Charges without FASTag

Well, if you don’t have a FASTag and wish to cross a toll plaza, you must pay double the usual toll charges. Installing a FASTag is thus recommended if you want to save money and time.

• Third-Party Insurance

As per the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, third-party insurance is required by law. If you wish to obtain third-party car insurance coverage, you should have a FASTag allocated to the registration number of your four-wheeler. As a result, even if you do not drive on highways, you are still required to affix a FASTag.

• Validity

Your FASTag comes with a validity period of 5 years. Ensure you recharge the tag timely to maintain adequate balance.

• Vehicle Queue

Vehicle waits at toll booths must not exceed 100 metres, according to NHAI regulations. This allows for a more efficient flow of traffic. At a distance of 100 metres from the toll plaza, each toll lane will be designated with a yellow line. If your car is stuck in traffic for more than the specified distance, you will be permitted to drive without paying any tolls.

• One FASTag Per Car

A FASTag is connected to your vehicle's registration number. As a result, you may only use one FASTag per car. You will be fined if you use the same FASTag for several cars.

There are various advantages of installing FASTag, including:

• The tag saves time and fuel because you don't have to worry about cash. The toll is debited from your Savings or Prepaid Account.

• When you pass through a toll plaza, and the payment is debited, you will receive an SMS notification. SMS updates are sent to your registered cellphone number on a regular basis.

• You may quickly recharge the FASTag using RTGS, UPI, NEFT, Debit/Credit Card, and other methods.

• Logging up to the FASTag web portal makes it simple to monitor your transactions and keep track of it.

• If you travel frequently, you may purchase a monthly pass for a certain toll plaza.

FASTag transactions had surpassed 285.83 million as of November 2022. This figure will only rise in the coming year. It is available in 615 NHAI toll plazas and 100 state highway toll plazas around the country. The continued expansion and adoption of FASTag by highway users is positive and has contributed to increased efficiency in toll operations.

If you haven't already received your FASTag, you should do it right now to avoid violating FASTag laws. You may acquire your FASTag Prepaid Card from the convenience of your own home. Simply input your personal information and car registration number, submit documents, check your application, and pay. You must upload copies of your KYC as well as evidence of identification and residence. A driver's licence suffices as identification and addresses evidence. It's a quick and straightforward procedure, so get started right now!

Also, just like it is important to have a FASTag, it is equally vital to have car insurance in India to avoid legal and financial issues. So, without thinking twice, get your four-wheeler insurance from Tata AIG and have the mental peace you deserve. Contact us to take this alliance forward!