NEW DELHI: Starting February 17, 2025, new regulations governing FASTag payments have come into effect. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) issued a circular on January 28 detailing the changes aimed at improving transaction verification, reducing payment disputes, and enhancing user experience at toll plazas.
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that enables seamless, cashless transactions at toll booths. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, the system deducts toll charges automatically from a linked bank account, prepaid wallet, or payment app. A FASTag sticker is affixed to a vehicleтАЩs windshield, allowing RFID sensors at toll plazas to scan it and facilitate quick payments.
Key Changes in FASTag Rules
- Blacklisted FASTags – No Transactions Allowed
If a FASTag is blacklisted, hotlisted, or marked as low balance for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza, the transaction will be declined.
If a FASTag remains blacklisted for 10 minutes after being scanned, the payment will also be rejected.
If both conditions are met, the system will decline the transaction with error code 176, and the vehicle will be required to pay double the toll fee as a penalty.
Grace Period for Recharging
Users now have a 70-minute window before reaching the toll booth to rectify their FASTag status.
If a FASTag is recharged within 10 minutes of an attempted transaction, users may qualify for a penalty refund and only pay the standard toll fee.
Delayed Transactions – Additional Charges
If a toll transaction is processed more than 15 minutes after passing the toll reader, users may face additional charges.
Chargebacks – Cooling Period Introduced
Banks can raise chargeback requests for incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags only after a 15-day cooling period.
Impact on FASTag Users
These new rules introduce stricter monitoring and transaction timelines, making it essential for users to keep their FASTag accounts in good standing. HereтАЩs what these changes mean:
No last-minute recharges: If a FASTag has been blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching a toll plaza, recharging at the last moment wonтАЩt prevent a penalty.
Penalty refund option: Users can request a refund if they recharge their FASTag within 10 minutes of scanning and avoid paying double toll charges.
Better transaction oversight: Users need to monitor their FASTag balance and transactions to avoid extra charges, delays, or rejections at toll booths.
How to Avoid FASTag Issues
- To ensure a smooth toll experience, users should follow these best practices:
- Maintain a sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet at all times.
- Regularly check FASTag status to avoid accidental blacklisting.
- Monitor transaction times to identify deduction delays.
- Ensure the FASTag remains active to prevent rejection at toll booths.
The new FASTag rules aim to streamline toll payments, minimize disputes, and enhance efficiency at toll plazas. Users are advised to familiarize themselves with these changes to avoid inconvenience while traveling.
