FASTags mandatory from January: How do I get one, how much does it cost?

Context: From January, FASTag, India’s electronic toll collection chip for national highways, is going to be mandatory for all vehicles.

• The government is keen on moving to a system wherein 100 per cent of the toll collected are through FASTag and no cash handling at toll plazas.
• Already, over 80 per cent of all toll collected across national highways is through FASTag.

What is FASTag?

• It is a sticker or a tag usually pasted on the windscreen of the car.
• The device uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to communicate with scanner installed at toll plazas.
• Once the car crosses the toll plaza the requisite toll amount is automatically deducted from a bank account or a prepaid walled linked to the FASTag.
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) through its subsidiary Indian Highway Management Company Limited (IHMCL) sells and operates FASTag.

What will happen if you enter a FASTag lane without having a FASTag by mistake?

• Ideally the highway marshals should not allow you to enter a FASTag lane. But in the event that you find yourself in a FASTag lane, double the toll amount is to be paid.
• Even if your FASTag is not functional due to some damage to the RFID or it does not have enough balance, you are liable to pay double the toll amount.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-fastags-mandatory-from-jan-how-do-i-get-one-how-much-does-it-cost-7049351/