FASTag mandatory for new four-wheelers from Dec 1: What is FASTag and how can you get one?

Apart from toll plazas, FASTags are available in banks which the authorities have signed up with. For a traveller to get the tag, he or she can approach those specific banks

From the beginning of the next month, it will be mandatory for all new four-wheelers to have FASTag devices fixed on front windscreens by automobile manufacturers or authorised dealers.

FASTag is presently operational at about 370 toll plazas across National Highways. The system is inter-operable and the same FASTag can be used across all toll plazas under the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme.

What is FASTag?

A FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it and is affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle and enables the commuter to drive through toll plazas, without stopping for cash transactions.

FASTag has a validity of five years and after purchasing it, one only needs to recharge/top up the FASTag as per the requirement.

According to NHAI, the major advantages of having a FASTag include no need to carry cash for the toll transactions, time-saving, near non-stop movement of vehicles leading to lower fuel cost among others

As a user crosses a toll plaza, the toll amount is deducted automatically. The user receives SMS alerts for toll transactions, low balance and all other developments.

The FASTags can be recharged online through Credit Card / Debit Card /NEFT/ RTGS or Net Banking. The minimum and maximum amount allowed to be recharged is Rs 100 and Rs 1 lakh, respectively.

FASTags are non-transferable and one FASTag can be used only for one vehicle.

How to buy FASTags

A customer can visit any of the Point of Sale (POS) locations at toll plazas/ issuer agency to get FASTag account created. Apart from toll plazas, FASTags are available in banks which the authorities have signed up with. For a traveller to get the tag, he or she can approach those specific banks.

Currently, there are many private and public sector banks which have partnered with the NHAI. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Syndicate Bank, Axis Bank, IDFC Bank and State Bank of India are among them. Among the payments banks, Paytm offers FASTag to its buyers.

A user can also ask the automobile companies to install it on the vehicles.

A customer needs to submit a copy of the following documents along with the application for FASTag:

1. Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle

2. Passport size photograph of the vehicle owner

3. KYC documents, i.e., any of these—Driving license, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID Card or Aadhar Card.

A customer should carry original copies of the documents along with the Photostat.