The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced new FASTag rules for all vehicle owners. The new FASTag rules have to be followed before October 31, 2024, to avoid any inconveniences. These rules are being implemented to make toll collections easier and more efficient on highways.

Let’s understand what the new FASTtag rules are and why they have to be done immediately.

What Is FASTag?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. FASTag was introduced by the NPCI to make toll collection easier and faster on highways.

Unlike normal toll booths, vehicles do not have to stop and pay, they can simply pass through the toll. The RFID technology will detect the vehicle and deduct the toll money from the FASTag connected to that vehicle number.

The toll charges are deducted automatically, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash transactions. This makes the toll collection process easier and avoids traffic on highways.

Want to know how to cross toll booths for free? Read Can You Cross Toll Booth For Free? Yes!

What Are The Major Changes Being Introduced?

The NPCI has implemented new FASTag rules that have been effective from August 1, 2024. The new rules are to make toll collection even more efficient than before and reduce traffic and congestion at toll plazas.

Let’s take a look at the new changes and requirements introduced by the NPCI.

• All vehicle owners have to ensure that their vehicle is linked to a valid bank account or prepaid wallet to make the deduction easier at toll plazas.

• Vehicle owners have to ensure that their bank account has sufficient balance before crossing a toll plaza. Ensuring sufficient balance will avoid penalties or fines.

• Vehicles with insufficient balance in their FASTag account will be treated as non-FASTag vehicles and charged double the toll fee.

• Make sure that the vehicle details such as registration number and owner's information are updated correctly.

• If the FASTag is damaged or not working, make sure to get it replaced immediately to avoid any penalties or fines.

To comply with the new rules, regularly monitor their FASTag account balance and recharge if needed. If any details have to be updated or if the FASTag is damaged, immediately contact the FASTag issuer’s outlet to make the necessary changes.

Ensure that all the necessary changes and updates are done to avoid penalties and fines. If the vehicle does not have a valid FASTag or has insufficient balance, the vehicle will be charged double the toll fees.

Conclusion

Ensuring compliance with the new updates will help reduce the traffic and congestion at highways. It will also make toll collections more efficient and smoother than before. All vehicle owners should ensure that the changes are made before October 31, 2024, to avoid any inconvenience in the future while travelling.

For any queries or complaints, call 1033 or visit the official NETC website.