How to Apply FASTag Online?

The highway tolls are operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The travellers passing by are expected to pay a fee (which is termed as the “toll”) to use the roads. Apart from the aforementioned reasons, toll roads are also established to control the number of people using them and avoid traffic congestion to ease travel. However, despite this endeavour, the highway toll plazas often get crowded, teeming with cars and prolonging travel time. To overcome this roadblock, the Government of India mandated all toll plazas across India to make toll payments electronically by January 1, 2021, by using FASTag.

What is FASTag?

Operated by the NHAI, FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that employs Radio Frequency Identification technology for making toll payments in a hassle-free manner. It is a reloadable tag that is affixed on the windscreen of your vehicle that enables an automatic deduction of the toll charges, so you don’t have to wait in a long queue to pay the toll manually. FASTag is linked to the prepaid or savings account from which the applicable toll amount is deducted. The tag can be purchased from participating banks that are authorised to sell FASTags. Travellers can recharge or top-up basis their requirements as FASTags have unlimited validity.

How to Pay Highway Toll with FASTag?

The NHAI has made the toll payments significantly less cumbersome and highly convenient with the introduction of FASTag. With the use of FASTag, the toll amount gets deducted automatically from your associated bank account. As soon as the vehicle crosses the toll plaza, the toll fee will get deducted from the bank account or the prepaid wallet linked to the FASTag affixed on the vehicle's windscreen. An activated FASTtag works on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Around 75% of toll collected on National highways is now done through FASTags. From February 16, 2021, onwards, if travellers don’t have a FASTag, they will have to pay double the toll fees at toll plazas or National Highways.

If your FASTag is linked to your bank account, there is no need to worry about recharging it. However, if it is linked to a prepaid wallet, then it can be recharged using different digital payment channels or through UPI/debit card/ credit card/ NEFT/ Net Banking.

To avail of the benefit of FASTag:

• Visit the website of an authorised bank that is permitted to sell FASTags.
• From the website, you can search and apply for a FASTag online.
• Once you are directed to the relevant page, you will be asked to fill in your mobile number and the OTP.
• Then, add your details such as name, email id, address, vehicle details, etc. and upload the relevant documents.
• Before the final submission, review all the details and then make the online payment.
  You can even purchase it offline by visiting any of the Point of Sale: locations at toll plazas or bank branches to collect FASTag in-person. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Paytm also sell FASTags.

Importance of FASTag

The benefits of FASTag, such as hassle-free payments and ease of travel, are evident. However, it includes an additional clause – that of mandatory third-party car insurance - to ensure comprehensive safety while on the roads. Additionally, it is also now essential to have a FASTag if you want to buy or renew motor insurance online after April 1, 2021.

In the light of an increasing number of road accidents, having motor car insurance will promise to take care of the unfortunate eventualities. To discourage driving without insurance, the Ministry of Road Transportation and Highways has made FASTag mandatory for availing third-party insurance. Understanding the benefits of having an insurance policy for a car, all vehicle owners travelling via roads will need to include their insurance number while applying for FASTag.

As one can never be too safe while commuting, Tata AIG car insurance provides inclusive insurance for car. Additionally, with benefits such as cover for loss or damage of the vehicle, third-party liability, personal accident cover for owner/driver, and online renewal of car insurance, the policyholder can ensure that Tata AIG car insurance will assist in times of crisis. At a car insurance price, policyholders can avail of numerous benefits and ensure risk-aversion while on the road.

To Conclude

Under the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme, the toll payments will be made via FASTag. This step is to ensure comfortable travel on highways and avoid interruptions caused by traffic congestion.

##FAQs

What is the use of FASTag in a car?

FASTags affixed on the windshield of your car will ensure a hassle-free toll payment as the toll charges will be automatically deducted without the need of stopping in a queue for a cash transaction.

How do I pay tolls with FASTag?
The FASTag sticker can either be linked to your bank account or an NHAI prepaid wallet. When you cross a toll, the amount is automatically deducted from them. If you have your FASTag linked to a prepaid wallet, ensure its timely recharge.

How do I use FASTag online?
You can make use of FASTag online by either purchasing it by visiting the website of an authorised bank or through e-commerce platforms. You will be asked to provide personal information and car insurance details.

How do I pay my FASTag bill online?
As FASTag is an automated system, the toll charges are already deducted online. The traveller ought to simply ensure that the associated bank account or the prepaid wallet has an adequate balance.