February 17, 2025: New FASTag regulations are now in force, marking a significant shift in how toll payments are processed. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) released a circular on January 28 detailing these updated guidelines aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the electronic toll collection system.
FASTag, which enables cashless toll payments using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, automatically deducts toll charges from a linked bank account, prepaid wallet, or payment app. The system has become a vital part of the nation's toll collection infrastructure, allowing vehicles to pass through toll booths swiftly.
Under the new rules, toll payments will be verified within a designated time frame after the FASTag is scanned at a toll plaza. Vehicles with a blacklisted FASTag, or those with insufficient balance for over 60 minutes before reaching the toll booth, will face transaction rejection. If the FASTag remains blacklisted for 10 minutes after scanning, the payment will also be declined. In either case, the vehicle will incur a penalty, being charged double the toll fee.
However, users will have a 70-minute window to address any issues with their FASTag status before reaching the toll plaza. If a recharge is made within 10 minutes of an attempted transaction, users may qualify for a penalty refund, paying only the standard toll fee.
On the flip side, toll transactions processed more than 15 minutes after passing the toll reader may incur additional charges. In the case of incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags, banks can only raise chargeback requests after a 15-day cooling period.
To avoid any hassle, users are urged to maintain a sufficient balance in their FASTag wallet, regularly check their FASTag status to avoid blacklisting, and monitor the timing of their toll transactions.
With these new rules, the authorities aim to streamline toll operations and reduce delays at toll booths while ensuring the system’s continued effectiveness.