New FASTag Rules Come into Effect: Key Changes You Need to Know

Monday, February 17, 2025, several new rules governing the use of FASTags have come into effect. These changes, announced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), aim to streamline toll payments and reduce fraudulent activity.

Here’s a look at the five key updates you need to be aware of:

1. Blacklisted FASTags: Payment Rejected

Under the new rules, if a FASTag is blacklisted upon arrival at a toll, the payment will not be processed. The transaction will also be declined if the FASTag was blacklisted at least 10 minutes before the scan. Users should ensure their FASTag is active to avoid payment disruptions.

2. Grace Period Extended to 70 Minutes

Users now have a 70-minute grace period to rectify the status of their FASTag before crossing a toll booth. This window offers more flexibility for users to resolve any issues with their tags and ensure smooth passage at toll plazas.

3. Double Toll Charges for Blacklisted FASTags

In the event that a FASTag is blacklisted upon reaching the toll booth, users will now be charged double the standard toll fee. However, if a recharge is made within 10 minutes of scanning, users can request a penalty refund.

4. Additional Charges for Delayed Transactions

FASTag users may face extra charges if their toll transactions are processed more than 15 minutes after their vehicle has passed through the toll reader. Timely processing of payments is now more crucial to avoid incurring additional fees.

5. Chargebacks and Cooling Period

To address concerns over incorrect deductions, banks are now required to raise chargebacks only after a 15-day cooling period for issues related to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags.

How to Avoid Issues

To ensure a smooth experience with the new rules, users are advised to:

• Maintain a sufficient balance in their FASTag wallet.
• Regularly check the status of their FASTag to ensure it’s active and not blacklisted.
• Monitor the timing of toll transactions to identify any delays.
• Stay proactive in managing the status of their FASTag to prevent rejections due to inactivity.

With these changes now in effect, users should be more vigilant in managing their FASTag accounts to avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure a seamless toll payment experience.