FASTag Update: FASTags often fail to work at toll plazas, causing delays for other vehicles as well. It is important to be aware of certain key facts regarding FASTags.

FASTag Update: If you frequently travel on highways, you have likely encountered long queues and scanning delays at toll plazas at some point. This often causes delays for drivers. While people often attribute this to a technical glitch in the toll system, the issue frequently lies with the FASTag itself rather than the system. NHAI recently issued an advisory stating that faulty or old FASTags can also cause disruptions at toll plazas.

Faulty FASTags cause scanning issues

Scanners at toll plazas identify vehicles using the RFID technology embedded in the FASTag. However, if the tag is faulty, scanning issues can arise, forcing other vehicles at the toll plaza to wait.

How to get a new FASTag?

If your FASTag isn’t working properly and you want to replace it, here are the necessary steps:

Contact the bank or institution that issued the tag.
You can easily apply for a replacement through the same bank.
Notably, you do not need to open a new account or pay a new security deposit.
Any existing balance on your FASTag will be transferred to the new tag.
This ensures there will be no delays in making toll payments subsequently.

What causes a FASTag to malfunction?

According to experts, FASTags can malfunction for several reasons. Prolonged use can lead to failure, and exposure to elements like sunlight, rain, dust, and heat can also affect the tag’s performance. Using harsh chemicals or cleaning products can damage the FASTag. Such factors can weaken the adhesive backing of the FASTag over time.

When to replace your FASTag

If you frequently face delays while making payments at toll plazas, you should get your FASTag replaced to avoid holding up other vehicles. Vehicle owners should replace their FASTag if it is more than 4–5 years old. Failure to do so can lead to scanning issues, wasting both your time and that of others.

Your vehicle may pass for free

In some instances, even when there is a sufficient balance and no technical fault with the FASTag, the payment at the toll plaza fails to go through. If the electronic scanner (ETC) at the toll plaza is unable to read your active FASTag, the toll operator is required to let your vehicle pass without charge.

Additionally, the toll plaza staff is mandatorily required to issue you a ‘zero-transaction’ receipt. In other words, your vehicle will be able to cross the toll plaza for free in such situations. Always remember to check your FASTag before setting out on a journey to avoid any issues at the toll plaza.