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Starting February 17, 2025, updated FASTag regulations will come into effect, introducing stricter balance validations and transaction policies. These changes aim to improve toll collection efficiency, prevent fraud, and reduce disputes at toll plazas. Vehicle owners are advised to familiarise themselves with these new rules to avoid penalties and ensure smooth travel.
Key Changes in FASTag Transactions
- Blacklisting Timeframe: If a FASTag is blacklisted or has low balance for more than 60 minutes before being scanned at a toll booth, the transaction will be automatically declined.
- Post-Scan Restrictions: If a FASTag remains inactive or blacklisted for more than 10 minutes after scanning, it will not be processed.
If both these conditions apply, the system will reject the transaction with error code 176, and the vehicle will be charged double the toll fee as per existing rules for non-FASTag users.
Who Will Be Affected?
FASTag accounts are classified as either whitelisted (active) or blacklisted (inactive). A FASTag can be blacklisted due to:
- Insufficient balance – Users must ensure their FASTag wallet is adequately funded before travel.
- Pending KYC updates – FASTag-linked accounts without updated KYC may face restrictions.
- Vehicle registration issues – Discrepancies in registration details can lead to blacklisting.
What Users Need to Do
To avoid penalties and disruptions, vehicle owners should:
Maintain a sufficient balance in their FASTag account well in advance.
Update KYC details to keep their FASTag active.
Check FASTag status before travel to ensure it is not blacklisted.
Can a Penalty Be Reversed?
If a FASTag transaction is rejected due to blacklisting, users may still have an option to correct it. If the tag is reactivated within 10 minutes after a declined transaction, the penalty may be waived, and the vehicle owner will only need to pay the standard toll fee.
Why Are These Changes Being Implemented?
The new rules are designed to:
Prevent last-minute top-ups that cause delays at toll plazas.
Ensure smoother toll collection and reduce fraudulent transactions.
Encourage better financial discipline among FASTag users.
With these updates, highway users are encouraged to adopt better FASTag management practices to avoid unnecessary fines and disruptions while travelling.
