New FASTag Rules Take Effect: Everything You Need to Know

The latest FASTag rules come into effect today, introducing stricter transaction monitoring, blacklisting penalties, and a 15-day chargeback cooling period. Stay informed to avoid extra charges.

New FASTag Rules Take Effect: Everything You Need to Know

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has rolled out new FASTag regulations, effective from today, bringing significant changes to toll payment policies. These updates aim to streamline electronic toll collection, prevent incorrect deductions, and enforce stricter penalties for blacklisted or low-balance FASTags.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that enables cashless payments at toll plazas using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The tag, affixed to a vehicle’s windshield, is automatically scanned when approaching a toll booth, deducting the required amount from a linked bank account, prepaid wallet, or payment app.

Key Changes in FASTag Rules

🚫 Blacklisted FASTags – No Transactions Allowed

• If a FASTag is blacklisted, placed on a hotlist, or marked as low balance for over 60 minutes before reaching a toll, the transaction will be declined.
• If the blacklisted status remains for 10 minutes after scanning, payment will also be rejected.
• If both conditions apply, the vehicle will face an automatic double toll penalty under error code 176.

⏳ Grace Period for Recharging

• Users now have 70 minutes before reaching the toll booth to recharge and rectify their FASTag status.
• A 10-minute window after a failed transaction allows users to recharge and qualify for a penalty refund, ensuring they only pay the standard toll fee.

⏱️ Delayed Transactions – Extra Charges

• If a toll transaction is processed 15 minutes after passing through the toll reader, users may be subject to additional fees.

🏦 Chargebacks – 15-Day Cooling Period Introduced

• Banks can raise chargeback requests for incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags only after a 15-day waiting period.

What These New Rules Mean for FASTag Users

✔ Avoid last-minute recharges – If your FASTag has been blacklisted for over 60 minutes, recharging at the last moment won’t work.
✔ Penalty refunds possible – If you recharge within 10 minutes of a failed transaction, you may be eligible for a refund and avoid paying double toll fees.
✔ Stricter monitoring – Users must ensure their FASTag remains active and funded to prevent delays, extra charges, or transaction failures.

How to Avoid FASTag Issues

✅ Maintain a sufficient balance in your FASTag account.
✅ Regularly check your FASTag status to avoid blacklisting.
✅ Monitor transactions to catch any delays or deduction errors.
✅ Keep your FASTag active to prevent rejection at toll booths.

With these updated rules, FASTag users must stay vigilant to avoid penalties and ensure smooth, cashless toll payments. 🚗💨