FASTags mandatory from 1 January 2021: Key things to know

Union Ministry of Road Trasport and Highways has issued a notification making FASTags mandatory from next year, 1 January 2021. “As per Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, since 1st December 2017, the FASTag had been made mandatory for all registration of new four-wheeled Vehicles and is being supplied by the Vehicle Manufacturer or their dealers,” the release said.

“It had further been mandated that the renewal of fitness certificate will be done only after the fitment of FASTag for the transport vehicles. Further that for national permit vehicles the fitment of FASTag has been mandated since October 1, 2019,” the statement said.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a simple to use, reloadable tag which enables automatic deduction of toll charges and lets you pass through the toll plaza without stopping for the cash transaction. FASTag is linked to a prepaid account from which the applicable toll amount is deducted. The tag employs Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) technology and is affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen after the tag account is active.

What documents do I need to get/activate FASTag?

Copy of your driver’s license (as address proof and photo ID), the registration certificate of the vehicle. Banks require KYC documents, like Aadhaar or passport or PAN.

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How can I recharge my FASTag account?

You may recharge your FASTag account by making payment through cheque or online through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ NEFT/ RTGS or through Net Banking. FASTag account can be recharged up to Rs 1 lakh amount.

Benefits of FAStags

1) No need to carry cash for the toll transactions, saves time

2) Near non-stop movement of vehicles leading to lower fuel cost.

3) FASTag can be recharged online through Credit Card / Debit Card / NEFT/ RTGS or Net banking

4) SMS alerts for toll transactions, low balance, etc.

5) Online Portal for customers

6) Validity of 5 Years

Where do I get a FASTag?

They are available online on all major retail platforms like Amazon, Paytm, etc. They are also available at points of sale locations set up by 23 banks. The list includes all major banks. Road Transport Authority offices also sell these tags.
Banks are allowed to charge up to Rs 200 for issuing the tag. A security deposit, usually around Rs 200 for most cars (it depends on the vehicle type) is also charged. Then there is a minimum recharge amount, usually Rs 100, to keep the tag active.