Beware! This simple FASTag mistake will now result in double toll amount, NHAI warns: Details

To crack down on drivers who intentionally avoid attaching their FASTag to the front windshield, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that these drivers will now face double toll fees. This directive aims to mitigate the delays caused by such practices at toll plazas, ensuring a smoother experience for all highway users, a report from PTI said.

According to NHAI, not affixing the FASTag properly causes unnecessary congestion at toll booths, leading to frustration among other drivers.As part of the new measures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have been disseminated to all toll collection agencies and concessionaires, mandating the imposition of double fees on vehicles without the FASTag affixed to the inside of the front windshield.
To increase awareness, NHAI has ordered that clear signage be installed at all toll plazas, informing drivers of the penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, toll plazas will use CCTV to record the Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) of vehicles without properly affixed FASTags. This footage will be used to maintain accurate records of the tolls charged and the presence of such vehicles in toll lanes.
NHAI reiterated that existing rules already require FASTags to be affixed inside the front windshield of the designated vehicle. Vehicles not complying with this requirement will not only be charged double toll fees but also risk being blacklisted from Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) transactions.
Furthermore, issuer banks have been instructed to ensure that FASTags are properly affixed to vehicles at the time of issuance at Points-of-Sale (POS).
Amit Lakhotia, Founder & CEO, Park+, one of the largest FASTag distributors in India, said, “FASTag’s are an essential enabler in ensuring that our highways become smarter & safer for all car owners. The new guidelines is a required step in the right direction. Car owners and toll plaza workers will benefit immensely from this move, which will ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce inconvenience for all stakeholders involved. ”
In other developments, NHAI plans to integrate GNSS-based toll collection in India, initially along with the current FASTag framework using a hybrid model combining RFID-based and GNSS-based toll collection.
Satellite Tolling, or GNSS technology, uses virtual toll booths installed on highways that communicate with satellites to track vehicle locations and calculate distances traveled for toll deduction. This system removes the need for physical toll booths, creating virtual toll booths along highways and allowing seamless travel without stopping.