FASTag New Rules August 2024: Key Takes, and Others Important Details!

The National Payment Corporation of India’s new FASTag regulations came into effect on 01 August 2024. The vehicle owners must be aware of the new rules & regulations for convenience at the toll plaza, the article covers everything you wish to learn about the changed FASTag rules.

FASTag New Rules August 2024

The FASTag system allows vehicle owners to pay the toll fee directly through their linked account, saving time and fuel consumption. The NPCI has announced new rules & regulations for India’s Electronic Toll Collection system, FASTag, to increase efficiency, avoid overcrowding, and streamline toll collection. 

The new FASTag changes are effective from 01 August 2024 for FASTag users. The major changes include the replacement of 5-year-old FASTags by the issuer on a best-effort basis and Re-KYC which the users have to do every three years. 

The new guidelines apply to all the old and new vehicle owners and the FASTag providers. The FASTAg users and providers should be aware of the new rules to avoid any inconvenience at the toll plaza and continue using the FASTag service. 

Let’s discuss the new FASTag changes briefly to get you a comprehensive understanding of the new rules:

• Mandatory KYC update every 3 years: The FASTag users need to complete their KYC updates between three to five years. As per the latest rules, starting on 1 August 2024, users should update their KYC for 3-year-old FASTags to avoid any service issues before the 31 October 2024 deadline.
• 5-year-old FASTag replaces: The users with 5-year-old FASTag should replace their FASTags. 
• Link Vehicle Details: The government started the One FASTag, One Vehicle in April 2024, following the step, the new FASTag rule has made it mandatory for users to link their Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) and chassis number with their FASTags. 
• Mobile Number linked to FASTags: The vehicle owner’s mobile number should be linked with the FASTags.

FastTag Providers Instructions

The NPCI has announced the following measures for the FASTag providers that they should keep in mind:

• Databank Verification: The FASTag service providers must verify and update their database to confirm every detail associated with the FASTags and Vehicle matches with the national Vehicle Registry. The new measure will ensure the FASTag and Vehicle information is up-to-date. 
• Photo Upload: The FASTag providers must upload clear photos of their vehicle from all sides with a clear view of the vehicle to prevent misuse and vehicle identification.  
• Ensure the owner’s mobile number is linked: The FASTAg providers must ensure that the owner’s mobile is linked with the FASTag to facilitate seamless communication between providers and users. This way the users will get timely updates on their FASTag status and other related information. 

What should the Vehicle Owners should do?

As per the new FASTag rules, the vehicle owners should follow the below instructions to ensure their seamless FASTag service: 

• Check your FASTag issuance date, and if you have a 5-year-old FASTtag, you must replace the FASTag and update their three-year-old KYC before 31 October 2024. As per the guidelines, the FASTag users are advised to complete their KYC immediately as the new rules are effective from 1 August 2024 onwards. 
• You must link your VRN and chassis number with your FASTAg account, the new vehicle owners should link their VRN and chassis number with their FASTag within 90 days of your purchase.
• Ensure your mobile number is linked with your FASTag account to receive timely updates from the provider. 

Penalty on FASTag Rule Violation

According to the new FASTag guidelines, people who violate the new rules will face the following consequences:

• The FASTag users who do not abide by the new FASTag rules will have to pay the double toll charges. The NHAI has implemented this strict measure to ensure the FASTAg rules are followed strictly.
• The NHAI also said that the violations can also be blacklisted for not following new FASTag rules. 
• The NHAI has issued SOPs to all user fee collection agencies to implement and execute the new regulations of FASTags and update the policy change at every toll plaza in India to let the citizens know about the changes. 

Currently, the user fees collected at 45,000km of National Expressways and Highways at every toll plaza is around 1000, where 80 million are FASTag users. 

Impact of the changed FASTag rules 

The new FASTag rules will impact the new and old FASTag users, however, the old vehicle owners would be the most impacted and should keep the FASTag rules in check as if they fail to comply with the new rules, they could face potential service suspensions or inconvenience at the toll plazas. 

The new FASTag rules can influence the electronic toll system in the following ways:

• The stricter rules and enhanced policies can improve the toll collection in India.
• The Vehicle registration linking with FASTag can help trace the vehicle and ensure the penalties are implemented.
• The new rule can help reduce the disparities in paying the toll plaza and increase the efficiency of the toll plaza.
• The data verification will ensure that all the vehicles abide by the new rules and help in managing the security and smooth functioning of the toll plaza system. 

The New changes in FASTags by the NPCI are already in effect, the FASTag users should ensure that they are following all the rules and regulations as per the guidelines to avoid any consequences and continue using the FASTag services.