A FASTag is a digital toll payment system that uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to enable automatic payments at toll plazas. Previously, cash payments at toll booths frequently resulted in long queues and delays.

With FASTag, the process is quicker and smoother because the payment happens instantly as you drive through. This not only saves time but also reduces fuel consumption caused by repeated stopping and starting.

The FASTag process aims to reduce traffic congestion, save fuel and create a seamless travel experience on highways. It also encourages the shift toward digital payments and brings more transparency to toll collection.

Also Read: FASTag Rules

FASTag utilises RFID technology to enable automatic and cashless payment at toll plazas. Here is a breakdown of how the FASTag technology works.

Step 1: Tag Affixation and Account Linking

To start the FASTag, vehicle owners first need to affix the small and rechargeable tag on their front windscreen. This is also known as a FASTag sticker.

This sticker comes with a unique reference number that helps in identifying the vehicle. It is also linked to the bank account or FASTag wallet.

Step 2: RFID Detection

When the vehicle approaches the FASTag lane in the toll plaza, the RFID reader or scanner installed at the plaza scans the FASTag sticker affixed on the car. The sticker contains a microchip that can only be read by an RFID scanner or detector.

Step 3: Processing and Validation

The information detected by the scanner is sent to the acquiring bank, which manages the toll plaza transactions. The bank then sends the request to the National Electronic Toll Collection system to map the vehicle and the issuing bank.

Step 4: Toll Deduction

Once the information is processed and verified, the toll deduction details are sent to the issuing bank for processing. Once that is confirmed, the toll is deducted from the FASTag wallet or account.

Step 5: Transaction Confirmation and Passage

Upon deducting the amount, the issuing bank sends the payment receipt to the acquiring bank. After that, the acquiring bank sent the request to the toll plaza to open the barrier for the vehicle owner.

Step 6: Notification

Lastly, the vehicle owner will receive a notification of toll deduction via SMS on their registered mobile number, which will include the amount deducted, the time of deduction, and the remaining balance.

Also Read: How to Get Free FASTag Instantly - Buy FASTag Offline

Anyone who wants faster, cashless and hassle-free toll payments can use the FASTag stickers. Here are some individuals who should definitely consider using FASTag.

• Anyone who drives on national or state highways.
• Owners of cars, bikes, SUVs, trucks and other commercial vehicles.
• Daily commuters who cross toll plazas regularly.
• People who take frequent long-distance road trips.
• Cab and taxi operators.
• Transport, logistics and delivery companies.
• Anyone who wants to avoid fines and penalties.

Also Read: How and where to stick a FASTag sticker?

Installing the FASTag stickers on the vehicle offers numerous advantages to the vehicle owners. Some of the benefits are listed below:

Time and Fuel Saving

FASTag allows you to drive through toll plazas without stopping, thereby reducing waiting time and minimising fuel waste in long queues. This makes highway travel smoother, especially during peak hours or long-distance trips.

Cashless Transaction

Another crucial benefit of FASTag is the ability for cashless transactions. You do not have to keep cash to pay at the toll plaza. As soon as you reach the toll plaza, the amount is automatically deducted from your FASTag account, ensuring a seamless transaction.

Convenient Online Recharge

You can recharge your FASTag at any time using UPI, mobile wallets, internet banking, or banking apps. This flexibility helps you maintain balance easily, even during travel, without needing to visit a physical counter.

Efficient Toll Payments

Another significant FASTag benefit is efficient toll payments. The RFID technology instantly scans your sticker and processes the payment within seconds. This helps reduce congestion at the toll plaza and allows for a steady traffic flow.

Easy Account Management

FASTag gives you complete visibility of your toll expenses. You can check your balance, download statements, view recent transactions and set up alerts, helping you manage your travel spending more efficiently.

Obtaining a FASTag is easy; you can purchase it online or offline. Here is how you can obtain a FASTag in a simplified manner.

Get FASTag Sticker Through Official Websites

If you want to purchase a FASTag without a middleman, then you can buy from the MyFASTag portal. These platforms allow you to order the tag, link your vehicle details, and activate your FASTag directly.

Get FASTag Through Authorised Online Retailer

Several trusted e-commerce platforms also sell FASTag stickers. You simply place an order, provide your vehicle number, and the tag is delivered to your home. Once received, you can activate it online using the retailer’s instructions.

Get FASTag Sticker Through Banks

Individuals can also obtain the FASTag through the banks. Banks allow vehicle owners to obtain FASTag online and offline. You can either visit the bank or apply through their website or mobile app.

The bank links the FASTag to your account or prepaid wallet, making recharges and payments easy to manage.

Get FASTag Sticker Through Toll Plaza

There are various toll plazas where vehicle owners can find the FASTag stands. These plazas issue stickers on the spot. Vehicle owners need to carry the vehicle’s RC and ID proof. The staff will verify your details, provide the tag and help you activate it before you leave the plaza.

If you have decided where you want to buy a FASTag, then you need to follow the steps mentioned below.

• Step 1: Select the provider, whether it is a bank or the official MyFASTag portal.
• Step 2: After selecting the provider, fill out the FASTag application. Ensure that all the details mentioned, such as name and vehicle number, are correct.
• Step 3: After completing the FASTag form, submit the required documents, including the registration certificate and driving licence.
• Step 4: Next, pay the FASTag fees to the authorities. Also, you need to do the initial FASTag recharge.
• Step 5: Upon successful payment, the FASTag sticker will be issued in your name. You might need to activate it.

Vehicle owners must submit the requested documents to obtain a FASTag in India. The list includes:

• Copy of vehicle registration certificate
• Recent passport-sized photographs of the vehicle owner
• KYC documents, which include a driving licence, an Aadhar card, a PAN card, etc.
• KYC documents for corporate customers include partnership deeds, sales tax registrations, and other relevant documents.
• Any other documents requested by the officials.

FASTag accounts need to be maintained by the vehicle owner. The toll deduction at the toll plaza happens directly through the account, so vehicle owners need to recharge it. Recharging FASTag means adding digital money to the account.

There are different FASTag recharge plans for vehicle owners to simplify the process. Here are the simple steps to recharge your FASTag.

Procedure to Do FASTag Recharge Through FASTag Portal

• Step 1: Open the official IHMCL FASTag portal.
• Step 2: Log in to your account using the username and credentials.
• Step 3: Click on the “ FASTag recharge” options.
• Step 4: Choose the suitable FASTag recharge plans.
• Step 5: Make a payment using the preferred payment method.
• Step 6: Upon successful payment, the wallet will display the credited amount.

Procedure to Do FASTag Recharge Through Bank Portal

• Step 1: Visit the bank's official website.
• Step 2: Log in to your account using net banking or the mobile app.
• Step 3: Next, look for the “FASTag Recharge” options.
• Step 4: Select the FASTag plan and make a payment.
• Step 5: After a successful payment, the balance will be reflected in the FASTag account.

Procedure to Do FASTag Recharge Through Third-party Apps

• Step 1: Open any third-party payment apps on your phone.
• Step 2: Look for the “FASTag Recharge” option.
• Step 3: Select your FASTag issuing bank.
• Step 4: Enter the vehicle registration number.
• Step 5: Enter the amount and confirm the payment.
• Step 6: Once complete, the amount will be reflected in your FASTag account.

The FASTag cost includes one-time sticker issuance fees, a securing deposit, and a recharge amount based on vehicle usage. Let us understand these FASTag charges in detail.

FASTag Joining Fees

One of the fees vehicle owners need to pay while issuing a FASTag is the joining fee. It is a one-time charge that vehicle owners need to pay for FASTag registration. The current FASTag joining fee is ₹100, including applicable taxes.

Security Deposit

Another fee or charge vehicle owners need to pay is the security deposit. It is a negligible, refundable amount that vehicle owners will receive upon closure of their FASTag account. The security deposit amount may vary depending on the type of vehicle.

The bank may utilise this security deposit amount to pay the outstanding toll charges in case of insufficient balance.

Threshold Amount

The threshold amount is the minimum recharge amount which vehicle owners need to have after the FASTag activation. This amount is available on the FASTag wallet and will be used for paying the toll tax. The threshold amount also varies depending on the type of vehicle.

Also Read: FASTag Blacklisted: Why Does It Happen? How to Activate It?

Let us understand the security deposit and threshold charges for the FASTag based on the vehicle type.

Understanding all about what FASTag is, how it works, its benefits, and more is crucial for vehicle owners. A FASTag sticker helps in streamlining toll and parking payments. With this sticker, vehicle owners can avoid waiting in line and paying in cash at toll booths and parking lots.

The money is deducted directly from the FASTag account. However, vehicle owners need to recharge their FASTag wallet periodically for smooth toll operation. Along with FASTag, you also need to have a car insurance policy to protect your vehicle against unforeseen situations.

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