FASTag Rules 2025: New rules will tighten toll, blacklisted and low balance vehicles will not get entry

Summary

The new rules of FASTag will come into effect from February 17, 2025, due to which blacklisted and low balance vehicles will not be allowed entry. This decision of NPCI will strengthen the digital toll collection system.

FASTag Rules 2025: An important update has come for vehicle owners making toll payments through FASTag. The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has made changes in the FASTag Rules 2025, which will come into effect from February 17, 2025. Under the new rules, vehicles with low balance, blacklist and pending KYC will not be allowed entry from the toll plaza.

New rules of FASTag: These changes will be implemented

1. Vehicles blacklisted, with low balance or put on hotline will not be able to cross the toll

• If a vehicle's FASTag account has a low balance for more than 60 minutes, it will not be allowed entry at the toll plaza. 
• The reason for blacklisting could be Insufficient Balance, Pending KYC or difference between the chassis number and registration number of the vehicle. 
• If the FASTag status of a vehicle is not activated within 10 minutes, its transaction will be rejected.

2. Error Code 176 and Double Toll Fee Rule

• Under the new rules, if the status of a FASTag remains Inactive, Blacklisted or Low Balance, the toll transaction will be denied with Error Code 176.
• Such vehicles will have to pay double toll fee as per government rules.

Purpose of the new rules

The change in the FASTag system is aimed at reducing congestion at toll plazas and allowing entry only to those with valid FASTags. 

• Digital transactions will improve.
• The time taken at toll will be reduced.
• Drivers will be encouraged to keep their balance and KYC updated in advance.

Lifetime Highway Pass: Toll free travel on one-time payment for 15 years

• To eliminate the hassle of FASTag balance and frequent recharge, the government is planning to introduce Lifetime Highway Pass.
• Vehicle owners will have to make a one-time payment of ₹30,000, which will allow them to travel on the highway without any toll interruption for 15 years.
• An Annual Pass of ₹3,000 can also be introduced for short-term users.
• This will increase transparency in digital toll payments and drivers will get relief from the hassle of paying toll repeatedly.

PC:Asianetnews