Suppose you are going on a long drive and on every toll gate, you have to wait in a queue to get past. You may think, how good it would be if all vehicles had just passed within seconds instead of each taking 5-7 minutes. Now, here comes the solution- Having FASTag in your vehicle will not only reduce the stress of long waiting time but also makes your travel much more convenient.

 FASTag is an Electronic Toll Collection program launched by the National Highway Authority of India. From February 15, 2021, the Union Ministry of Road Transportation and Highways has made it mandatory for all vehicles.

The purpose behind making it mandatory is to reduce traffic at toll gates, encourage people to make digital payments, and monitor tax collection.

FASTag works on Radio Frequency Identification technology, in which RFID processed tag will be stuck on vehicle’s windscreen. While passing through the toll booth, it will scan the tag and process the payment.

Where to buy it from?

Buying FASTag process is very simple as it is easily available.  The NHAI has authorized 22 banks in India to issue FASTag to the people. Other than this, NHAI plazas, common Service Centers. Petrol pumps and transport hubs have made provision of many point-of-sale terminals for FASTag.

If you have bought a new car, the dealer will sell this to you or you can also buy it from any private or public sector bank which has a tie-up with NHAI. The digital platforms- Amazon Paytm also provide FASTag online.

The cost of availing FASTag depends upon few factors, as the class of vehicle is most important, whether it is Jeep, Car, bus or truck, or light commercial vehicles.

The banks or any authorized body from where you have bought the FASTag has their own policies and rules which affect the cost of FASTag.

The maximum issuance fee chargeable is Rs.200 as the government has set up a cap on the maximum charge.

One point that needs to be noted here is that the separate FASTag will be used for separate vehicles. Another benefit of FASTag is, one can avail the benefit of concession if he/she lives in 10 KM of range. You can get a concession after the authorities have verified your address.

The FASTag remains valid for the period of five years from the date of purchase, however, the amount in the FASTag wallet remains active as long as it is valid. Many companies that have a tie-up, offer multiple benefits to the users, as instant cash-back, movies tickets, discount promo codes on purchasing the service.

Recharging FASTag wallet is very simple, you need to add money to your wallet or if it has been bought from a bank, the amount will be deducted from your account.

Mobile wallet app as Paytm, PhonePe also allow you to recharge FASTag. FASTag has been proved to have many advantages. It gives you a hassle-free experience during long travel.

The cashless and contactless payment method has been helpful during COVID times as people have less chance of contracting each other.