The major rule changes are going to apply to the toll payment over highways using FASTag. This has recently been announced by one of the biggest developments by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). From February 17, 2025, if you have a blacklisted FASTag, double toll is going to be charged after the time expires, and this is whatever else one needs to know on how to avoid penalties and have the freeway travel without any hitches.
What is Changed About the FASTag Rules?
The newest NPCI guidelines state that a long-term blacklisted FASTag shall restrict a user from transacting payments at toll plazas. The regulation states, as follows:
For the first instant of blacklisting by a toll scan, a FASTag shall not pay if blacklisted for over 60 minutes.
If it is blacklisted for 10 minutes from the time of scanning, the transaction would reverse itself.
Penalty here: Fastag status correction has to occur within 70 minutes.
How New FASTag Rules Affect the Consumer
These new regulations apply directly to highway FASTag users. Your FASTag will now stop if it has been blacklisted even if you top it up at the last minute. Here is what it would entail for you:
Payments on blacklisted FASTags would not be borne if scanned post the allowable time.
You will pay double if a blacklisted FASTag is scanned for an attempted pass.
You will be charged normal tolls if you recharge 60 minutes after scanning or within 10 minutes since your last scan.
How to Avoid Issues Relating to FASTag Payment?
So these are some proactive measures to be followed for making smooth toll payments.
1. Regularly Review Your FASTag Status- Visit your FASTag account for logging in or check status through a mobile banking application.
2. Recharge Early- Do not wait until you reach the toll booth to recharge. Always keep a hefty FASTag balance.
3. Check for SMS Alerts- If you happen to receive low balance and blacklisted alerts, please attend to it instantly.
4. Use Auto-Recharge Features- Some banks offer auto-recharge facilities, therefore ensuring that you would never run short of balance.
How to Check if Your FASTag is Blocked?
These simple steps can be used to ascertain the status of your FASTag:
1. Go to the official website of the Transport Department.
2. Click on ‘Check E-Challan Status’ or such similar option.
3. Enter your Vehicle Registration Number.
4. Now, check if your FASTag is blacklisted and take some remediation steps.
Follow these new FASTag rules, and you will stay away from delays, penalties, and double toll charges. Be updated, recharge on time, and travel smoothly on the highway.