/ Business Services

Guide on FASTag recharge methods & Changes in FASTag  Rules

Fast tag

Guide on FASTag recharge methods : Changes in FASTag Rules, which is come into effect from February 17, 2025

Toll transactions will be declined for blacklisted or low-balance FASTags if the issue is not resolved within 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza. If a FASTag is blacklisted 10 minutes after scanning, the toll payment will be rejected. Transactions won’t be allowed for FASTags with an insufficient balance. Additional charges will apply if the transaction is delayed beyond 15 minutes after passing the toll reader. These new FASTag rules coming into effect from February 17, 2025, aim to streamline toll transactions and minimize fraud. Here’s a summary of the key changes and how users can avoid issues:

Key Changes in FASTag Rules (Effective February 17, 2025)

  • The new FASTag rules aim to streamline toll transactions, reduce congestion at toll plazas, and encourage timely recharges. Many drivers neglect to check their FASTag wallet balance, leading to manual payments and unnecessary delays. This contributes to long vehicle queues and increased traffic congestion.
  • To address these challenges, the National Payments Corporation of India has introduced stricter rules regarding low balance and blacklisted FASTags. By proactively maintaining a sufficient balance, drivers can avoid penalties and ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey on highways.
  • Blacklisted FASTags : If your FASTag is blacklisted, toll payment won’t be processed. And If blacklisted at least 10 minutes before scanning, payment will be declined.
  • Grace Period: Users now get a 70-minute grace period to rectify their FASTag status before crossing a toll booth in india.
  • Blacklisting Impact & Penalty: If your FASTag is blacklisted at the toll, you must pay double the toll charges. And  If you recharge within 10 minutes of scanning, you can request a penalty refund.
  • Delayed Transactions: Users may face extra charges if toll deductions happen more than 15 minutes after passing the toll reader.
  • Chargebacks for Wrong Deductions: Banks can raise chargebacks for incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags only after a 15-day cooling period.
  • the Indian government is working on a GNSS-based toll system to replace FASTag. This new system will be a distance-based toll collection method, increasing transparency and eliminating the need for frequent recharges.
  • FASTag getting discontinued: FASTag will continue to be used until the GNSS system is fully implemented across all highways. For now, only the new FASTag rules have come into effect.
  • When will penalties be effective under the new FASTag rules? If a toll transaction takes more than 15 minutes to process, the user must pay a penalty. Blacklisted FASTags will also be subject to penalty deductions.

How to Avoid Issues with FASTag

  • Maintain sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet.
  • Regularly check FASTag status to ensure it is active and not blacklisted.
  • Monitor transactions to check for delays in deduction.
  • Keep an eye on FASTag activity to prevent rejections due to inactivity.

**********************************************************

If this article has helped you in any way, i would appreciate if you could share/like it or leave a comment. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Legal Disclaimer:
The information / articles & any relies to the comments on this blog are provided purely for informational and educational purposes only & are purely based on my understanding / knowledge. They do noy constitute legal advice or legal opinions. The information / articles and any replies to the comments are intended but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as a legal advice or an indication of future results. Therefore, i can not take any responsibility for the results or consequences of any attempt to use or adopt any of the information presented on this blog. You are advised not to act or rely on any information / articles contained without first seeking the advice of a practicing professional.