New rules for FASTag are starting Monday, which could mean extra costs for drivers who don’t keep their accounts in good standing. These changes, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aim to make paying tolls simpler and prevent problems like disagreements and fraud.
What’s Changing with FASTag?
One of the biggest updates involves what happens if your FASTag doesn’t have enough money to cover the toll. In this case, you won’t be able to pass through the toll booth using your FASTag. Instead, you’ll have to pay the toll in cash, and you might also face a penalty fee. The goal is to encourage drivers to maintain sufficient funds in their FASTag accounts.
Also, FASTags that have been inactive for more than 60 days will now be deactivated. To use the FASTag again after deactivation, you’ll need to reactivate it. Make sure to check your FASTag account regularly to avoid any surprises at the toll plaza.
Fighting Fraud and Keeping the System Honest
These new rules also work to stop people from using fake or altered FASTags. According to a representative from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, these steps are important for keeping the electronic toll collection system working correctly. The updates should lead to smoother and fairer toll payments for all drivers.
These changes come after growing worries about slow payments and fraudulent actions related to FASTag use. Officials hope that these updates will make the toll collection process more efficient and ensure a more dependable experience for everyone. To further improve your driving experience, you might also want to learn more about vehicle maintenance tips and tricks.