FASTag users alert! You may risk blacklisting over this common mistake
National Highways Authority of India
has tightened its policy against the misuse of FASTags, specifically targeting what are known as "loose FASTags" or "tag-in-hand" practices. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed the update in an official release, ANI reported.
The new directive instructs toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report instances where FASTags are not affixed to a vehicle's windscreen. This is a deliberate act by some users that disrupts the automated
toll collection system
. NHAI has also provided a dedicated email ID for reporting such violations, enabling swift action including blacklisting or hotlisting of the reported FASTags.
The initiative comes as NHAI prepares to roll out major advancements in tolling infrastructure, including the FASTag-based
Annual Pass System
and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling. Ensuring the proper placement and use of FASTags is seen as essential to maintaining system reliability and tolling efficiency under these upcoming frameworks.
Loose FASTags present several operational challenges. They cause lane-level congestion, trigger incorrect chargebacks, and are often misused in closed-loop systems, ultimately resulting in delays and inconvenience for other highway users.
To curb this growing issue, NHAI has asked toll operators to act promptly. Upon receiving a report, the agency will initiate the blacklisting process to prevent further misuse of the concerned FASTag.
Earlier in June,
Union Road Transport
and Highways Minister
Nitin Gadkari
announced that a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at Rs 3,000 will be introduced on Independence Day. Valid for a year or up to 200 trips, the pass is expected to further simplify highway travel.
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