What are the new FASTag rules, in force now

According to the NPCI, the FASTag payments will be verified within a particular time frame from the moment the tag is scanned at a toll plaza

Hyderabad: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced new FASTag rules that came into effect from February 17. According to the NPCI, the FASTag payments will be verified within a particular time frame from the moment the tag is scanned at a toll plaza. The new rules aim to reduce fraud and improve toll payment efficiency.

What is FASTag?
FASTag is a toll collection system which collects cashless payments at toll plazas. The electronic system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tech and deducts charges from vehicle owner’s linked bank account.

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At the toll booth, the RFID sensors scan the FASTag sticker fixed on the vehicle’s windshield and automatically charge the fixed amount.

Here is a list of new FASTag rules

• Transactions will be declined if a FASTag is blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching a toll plaza.
• Vehicle owners now get a 70-minute grace period to recharge their FASTag after it’s blacklisted.
• Banks can only request chargebacks for incorrect deductions after a 15-day cooling period.
• Payments processed over 15 minutes after passing a toll will result in extra charges for the FASTag user.
• Vehicle owners will be charged double toll amount if their FASTag is blacklisted.
• Users may be qualified for a penalty refund if they recharge their FASTag within 10 minutes of an attempted transaction.

A FASTag is blacklisted when 

• There is insufficient balance in your account
• Expired documentation
• Legal issues concerning your vehicle
• Penality dues not cleared

How to avoid FASTag issues

• Maintain a sufficient balance in the FASTag wallet.
• Regularly check the FASTag status to avoid blacklisting.
• Monitor transaction regularly to identify deduction delays.
• Keep the FASTag active to prevent rejection at toll booths.
• Users should update their linked bank account’s KYC details to avoid transaction issues or penalties.