KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- If a FASTag is blacklisted for 60 minutes before reaching the plaza, last-minute recharge won't save you.
- Banks now have a 15-day cooling period to raise refunds
- 70-minute window to rectify the tag before reaching the toll plaza
If you're a frequent traveler on highways, you can't imagine a trip without FASTag, seamless payments, cutting down queues and saving precious time. But, there are some rules in the place which you might be unaware of. What are these new rules? Let's find out in this article, but moving ahead, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.
What Is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that allows cashless payments at the toll plazas. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to collect payments from a linked account, wallet or bank. A FASTag sticker is usually affixed on the vehicle's windshield when the vehicle approaches the toll booth; RFID sensors scan the tag and charge the linked bank account.
What Are The New Rules?
- No Last-Minute Top-ups: If a FASTag has been blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza, last-moment recharge won't save you anymore, transaction will be declined.
- Penalty Refund: The user can request a refund if a FASTag is recharged within 10 minutes of scanning.
- Strict Monitoring: Users need to ensure that their FASTag remains active to avoid delays and extra charges at the toll booths.
- Users now have a 70-minute window to rectify their tags before reaching the booth.
- If a transaction takes more than 15 minutes to process after passing the plaza, you may face extra charges.
- The banks now have a 15-day cooling period to raise the request for refunds in case of incorrect deductions or low balance FASTags.
Moreover, the Centre may soon roll out the annual and lifetime FASTag passes for private vehicle owners. The Private vehicle owner may be given the option to purchase the annual pass for Rs 3,000 or may opt for a lifetime pass, which is valid for 15 years at the price of Rs 30,000. However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has yet to announce the exact tariff and official implementation details.
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Verdict
With stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring, the new FASTag rules ensure smoother toll transactions but also demand proactive management from users. From penalties on last-minute top-ups to refund windows and potential lifetime passes, staying updated is key to hassle-free travel.
