Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented new FASTag regulations effective from today. Under the revised framework, FASTag payments will now be processed within a designated time framefrom the moment the tag is scanned at toll plazas. The January 28 circular outlines key changes to prevent fraudulent transactions and ensure smoother toll payments.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that enables cashless transactions at toll booths. It operates using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, automatically deducting toll charges from a linked bank account, prepaid wallet, or payment app.
The FASTag sticker is affixed to a vehicle’s windshield, allowing RFID sensors at toll plazas to scan and deduct toll charges instantly. Once the payment is successful, the barrier lifts, enabling the vehicle to pass without stopping.
New FASTag Rules and Changes
Blacklisted FASTags – No Transactions Allowed
• If a FASTag is blacklisted, on a hotlist, or has a low balance for more than 60 minutes before arriving at a toll booth, the transaction will be declined.
• If the blacklist status persists for 10 minutes after scanning, payment will also be rejected.
• Vehicles with blacklisted FASTags will be charged double toll fees as a penalty under error code 176.
Grace Period for Recharging
• Users now have a 70-minute window before reaching a toll booth to resolve low balance or blacklist issues.
• If a recharge is completed within 10 minutes of an attempted transaction, the user may qualify for a penalty refundand will only need to pay the standard toll fee.
Delayed Transactions – Extra Charges May Apply
• If a FASTag payment is processed more than 15 minutes after passing a toll booth, additional charges may apply.
Chargebacks – Cooling Period Introduced
• Banks can initiate chargeback requests for incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags only after a 15-day cooling period.
What These Rules Mean for FASTag Users
✔ No last-minute recharges – If a FASTag has been blacklisted for over 60 minutes before arrival, a recharge at the last moment won’t help.
✔ Penalty refunds possible – If users recharge within 10 minutes of scanning, they can request a penalty refund and avoid double toll fees.
✔ Stricter transaction monitoring – Users must ensure their FASTag remains active to avoid delays, extra charges, or payment rejections at toll booths.
How to Avoid FASTag Issues
• Maintain a sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet.
• Regularly check your FASTag status to avoid blacklisting.
• Monitor transaction times to spot delayed deductions.
• Ensure your FASTag remains active to prevent rejections at toll plazas.
