Road travel in India has witnessed a remarkable transformation with the advent of National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) FASTag, an electronic toll collection system that promises not only to save time but also to streamline traffic flow. With radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, FASTag has enabled millions to save time at the toll booths, making travel seamless and convenient.
Launched in 2018, FASTag provides an interoperable and secure framework for toll collection, digitising the entire process. In 2021, NHAI mandated the use of FASTag for all commercial and private vehicles. For a smooth and hassle-free journey, all that you need to ensure is keeping your FASTag recharged and know about the rules and regulations governing NETC FASTag usage.
Here are some of the new FASTag rules formulated by NHAI:
FASTag must function: FASTag functionality is a must. Stringent rules have been rolled out by NHAI for the same. If your FASTag fails to work at a toll plaza, your toll fee will get doubled. Hence, do check that your RFID barcode is in good condition and your FASTag wallet has adequate balance.
Wait for just 10 seconds: According to NHAI guidelines, waiting time at toll plazas must not exceed 10 seconds, or else you won’t be charged any toll fee.
Queue Within 100 Metres: NHAI insists that vehicle queues at toll booths should not exceed 100 meters. Marked by a yellow line, this limit aims to maintain smooth traffic flow. If your vehicle is queued farther away than the mentioned distance, you won’t be charged a toll fee.
FASTag validity: You must ensure that your FASTag is valid. The validity period of the same is 5 years.
One vehicle, one FASTag: As FASTags are linked to a vehicle’s registration number, you can use one FASTag for only one vehicle. If you use it for more vehicles, you will have to end up paying penalties.
FASTag and Insurance: Motor Vehicles Act 1988 makes third-party insurance mandatory for all vehicle owners. To get insurance, a vehicle must have FASTag assigned to its registration number.
FASTag: Making road travel green
FASTags also helps in saving fuel and reducing the carbon footprint, bringing a positive change for the environment. According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), “With over 97.5% penetration, FASTag contributes to reducing the carbon footprint by cutting down idling time and congestion at toll plazas. Besides revolutionizing toll collection, NHAI is also driving positive change for the environment.”
Earlier, FASTag re-shared a post on X saying, “Not just time, FASTag has saved so much more….Studies show that fuel savings of 35 crore litres/year, equivalent to more than Rs. 2,800 crore have been made possible just by using FASTag.”
