FASTag New Rule – Your FASTag Could Be Blacklisted! Know NHAI’s Important Rules

FASTag New Rule: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) frequently introduces new rules and regulations regarding FASTag. If you are among those who drive on highways on a daily basis, then this news is of great importance to you. The NHAI has tightened the regulations regarding the placement of FASTags on vehicle windshields.

Key Highlights

• Mandatory windshield affixing – FASTag must be properly affixed to the vehicle’s windshield.

• Penalty for improper use – Holding FASTag in hand or placing it on the dashboard at the toll plaza will lead to:

  • Paying double the toll amount

  • FASTag may be blacklisted

• Reason for proper affixing – Ensures seamless, interruption-free scanning; reduces delays and congestion.

It is now mandatory to affix the FASTag correctly onto the windshield. If, for any reason, your FASTag is not properly affixed to the windshield—and you attempt to pass through a toll plaza while holding it in your hand or placing it on the dashboard—you will not only be required to pay double the toll amount, but your FASTag may also be blacklisted.

Why It Is Important to Affix FASTag to the Windshield

Did you know that affixing the FASTag to the windshield ensures seamless scanning at toll plazas without any interruptions? This helps avoid unnecessary delays often caused when tags are held manually in one’s hand. Furthermore, as traffic flows at a steady pace, it helps reduce congestion.

The government’s objective is also to curb toll evasion and pave the way for the upcoming automated toll collection system. It has frequently been observed that individuals use a single FASTag across multiple vehicles. Moreover, in the case of heavy vehicles such as trucks, drivers often hold up a FASTag meant for a smaller vehicle to get it scanned.

This practice allows larger vehicles to pay a lower toll amount, resulting in a loss of revenue for the government. In light of this, the government is actively working on implementing a new toll collection system. Under this system, there will be neither physical barriers nor gates. Utilising this technology, vehicles will be able to pass through the highway at full speed without having to stop. Consequently, if the FASTag is properly affixed to the windshield, it will be automatically and effortlessly scanned.

The System Will Not Function in Case of Errors

The system will fail to operate if the FASTag is not properly affixed to the windshield. Furthermore, using a FASTag by holding it manually can often lead to erroneous transactions, including instances where the toll amount is debited twice. Subsequently, customers request refunds for this, which only serves to escalate disputes and complications.

Key Provisions of NHAI Regulations

For your information, immediate action will be taken against anyone found using a “tag-in-hand” or a “loose tag” at a toll plaza. The toll operator is authorised to report such instances immediately. Furthermore, if the FASTag is not affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, digital payment will not be considered valid.

In such cases, you will be required to pay the toll amount in cash or via other alternative methods. Moreover, in the event of a violation, the concerned bank is authorised to block or blacklist your FASTag. Once blocked, the tag will cease to function at any toll plaza.