Chandigarh, 17 February: Starting today, new FASTag rules will ensure quicker confirmation of payments at toll plazas. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) issued a circular on January 28 outlining the updated guidelines, including specific time frames for transaction processing after the FASTag is scanned.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that facilitates cashless payments at toll plazas. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, automatically deducting toll charges from a linked bank account, prepaid wallet, or payment app. A sticker is affixed to the vehicle’s windshield, and when the vehicle approaches a toll booth, RFID sensors scan the tag to charge the linked account, allowing the vehicle to pass through.
Key Changes in FASTag Rules
Blacklisted FASTags: Transactions from blacklisted, hotlisted, or low-balance FASTags will be rejected if the status is flagged for over 60 minutes before reaching the toll. If the tag remains blacklisted for 10 minutes after scanning, the payment will be canceled, and the vehicle will incur a double toll fee penalty.
Grace Period for Recharging: Users now have a 70-minute window to rectify the status of their FASTag before reaching the toll booth. If recharged within 10 minutes after a failed transaction, users can request a refund of the penalty and pay only the standard toll fee.
Delayed Transactions: If toll transactions are processed more than 15 minutes after passing the toll reader, additional charges may apply.
Chargeback Cooling Period: Banks can initiate chargeback requests for incorrect deductions from blacklisted or low-balance FASTags only after a cooling period of 15 days.
Implications for Users
No Last-Minute Recharges: Users must ensure their FASTag is not blacklisted for over 60 minutes before reaching the toll. A last-minute recharge won’t be effective.
Fine Refund: Users who recharge their FASTag within 10 minutes of scanning can request a refund of double toll charges.
Transaction Monitoring: Users should regularly check their FASTag status to avoid delays, rejections, or extra charges at toll booths.
How to Avoid FASTag Fines
Maintain sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet.
Regularly check FASTag status to prevent blacklisting.
Monitor transaction times to detect delays.
Keep your FASTag active to avoid rejection at toll booths.
How to Avoid FASTag Issues
Maintain a sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet.
Regularly check the FASTag status to avoid blacklisting.
Monitor transaction times to identify deduction delays.
Keep the FASTag active to prevent rejection at toll booths.
