What are the New FASTag Rules You Need to Know? Check Details Here

Starting February 17, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is implementing new FASTag rules to enhance toll payment efficiency. 

One key change is that if your FASTag has been blacklisted for over 60 minutes before reaching a toll plaza and remains so for at least 10 minutes after, your transaction will be declined, and you may face double toll charges. 

Additionally, last-minute recharges may no longer prevent payment issues; maintaining a sufficient balance well in advance is now crucial. 

These updates aim to streamline toll transactions and reduce fraud. In this article, we'll explore these changes in detail and provide tips to ensure seamless travel.

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New FASTag Rules from February 17, 2025: What’s Changing?

Starting February 17, 2025, new FASTag rules implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will affect how toll payments are processed. 

These rules aim to streamline transactions and reduce disputes, but may also impose penalties for delays or blacklisted tags.

Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

• Blacklisted FASTags: If your FASTag is blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching a toll plaza, the payment will not be processed. Similarly, if your FASTag was blacklisted at least 10 minutes before scanning, your toll payment will also be declined.
• Grace Period: A 70-minute window exists for users to rectify their FASTag status before crossing a toll booth.
• Impact of Blacklisting: If your FASTag is blacklisted upon reaching the toll, even an immediate recharge might not process, potentially leading to a double toll charge. However, recharging within 10 minutes of tag scanning may allow you to request a penalty refund.
• Delayed Transactions: FASTag users might face extra charges if toll transactions are processed more than 15 minutes after the vehicle passes the toll reader.
• Chargebacks: Banks can only raise chargebacks for incorrect deductions related to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags after a 15-day cooling period. Filing a chargeback before this period will result in rejection.
• Inactive FASTags: If a FASTag has been inactive for over 60 minutes before the vehicle crosses the toll and remains inactive up to 10 minutes after passing, the transaction will be declined.

To avoid issues with the new FASTag rules:

• Ensure sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet before travelling. Consider recharging at least one hour in advance.
• Check your FASTag status to ensure it is active and not blacklisted. This can typically be done on the official transport department website by entering your vehicle registration number.
• Monitor transaction times to check for delays in deduction.
• Stay informed about your FASTag status to prevent rejections due to inactivity.

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Key FASTag Rule Updates: Avoid Penalties and Payment Issues

To avoid penalties and payment issues with FASTag, be aware of the key rule updates that will take effect starting February 17, 2025:

• Blacklisting: Ensure your FASTag is active and not blacklisted well in advance of reaching a toll plaza to avoid payment failures and potential penalties. If your tag has been blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll, or at least 10 minutes before scanning, the payment will be declined.
• Sufficient Balance: Maintain an adequate balance in your FASTag wallet to prevent blacklisting due to low balance. It is recommended to recharge at least one hour before travelling to ensure the balance is updated.
• Transaction Monitoring: Keep an eye on your FASTag transactions to ensure timely and correct deductions. If a toll transaction is processed more than 15 minutes after you pass the toll reader, it may indicate an issue.
• Reactivation: If your FASTag has been inactive for more than 60 minutes before you cross the toll and remains inactive up to 10 minutes after, your transaction will be declined. Therefore, make sure that your FASTag is active well in advance.
• Rectification Window: Utilise the 70-minute grace period available to rectify your FASTag status before crossing a toll booth.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the New FASTag Rules

Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new FASTag rules, effective February 17, 2025, along with their answers:

Q1: What is the main change in the new FASTag rules?

A1: The new rules introduce stricter validation of FASTag balances. If a FASTag has been blacklisted or has a low balance for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza and remains so for 10 minutes after, the transaction will be declined.

Q2: What does it mean for FASTag users?

A2: Last-minute recharges might not work if your FASTag is already blacklisted. You need to ensure your FASTag is active and has sufficient balance well in advance.

Q3: What is the grace period to rectify FASTag status?

A3: There is a 70-minute window to fix any issues with your FASTag. This includes 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza and 10 minutes after.

Q4: What happens if my FASTag is blacklisted when I reach the toll plaza?

A4: The transaction will be declined, and you might be charged double the toll fee.

Q5: Can I recharge my FASTag after it has been read at the toll plaza?

A: If you recharge within 10 minutes of the tag being scanned, the payment may go through, and you can request a refund of any penalty.

Q6: How can I check if my FASTag is blacklisted?

A6: You can check the status on the official transport department website by entering your vehicle registration number.

Q7: Why might a FASTag be blacklisted?

A7: Reasons for blacklisting include insufficient balance, pending KYC updates, or mismatch in chassis number and vehicle registration number.

Q8: What is the reason code 176?

A8: If a FASTag is not active for more than 60 minutes before the reader read time and up to 10 minutes after the reader read time, the transaction will be declined with reason code 17624.

Q9: What should I do to avoid issues with the new rules?

A9: Maintain sufficient balance, ensure your KYC is updated, and check your FASTag status regularly.

Q10: Is there only one FASTag allowed per vehicle?

A10: Yes, the "One Vehicle, One FASTag" rule restricts a vehicle owner to having only one active FASTag for one vehicle.

What is a FASTag?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system designed to facilitate cashless payments at toll plazas across India. 

It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, allowing for automatic deduction of toll fees from a linked bank account or prepaid account as vehicles pass through designated toll lanes.

Key Features of FASTag:

1. RFID Technology: FASTag is a passive RFID tag affixed to the windscreen of a vehicle. When the vehicle approaches a toll plaza, the RFID reader scans the tag, and the toll amount is automatically deducted from the linked account without requiring the vehicle to stop.
2. Prepaid and Linked Accounts: Users can link their FASTag to either a prepaid account or their savings/current bank account. If linked to a prepaid account, users must ensure there is sufficient balance, as insufficient funds can lead to blacklisting of the FASTag at toll plazas.
3. Mandatory Use: The Government of India has made FASTag mandatory for all vehicles using national highways since February 15, 2021. This initiative aims to reduce congestion at toll booths and promote a cashless economy.
4. Convenience and Efficiency: By using FASTag, drivers can avoid long queues at toll plazas, leading to significant time savings and reduced fuel consumption.
5. Transaction Notifications: Users receive SMS alerts on their registered mobile numbers each time a toll fee is deducted from their account, providing transparency and easy tracking of expenses.
6. Vehicle-Specific: Each FASTag is linked to a specific vehicle and cannot be transferred to another vehicle once affixed.

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