Phase-wise implementation of FASTag as the electronic toll collection system for Indians had started off in 2014. This Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the form of a sticker on your windscreen monitored by the National Highway Authority of India has become mandatory for vehicles sinceJanuary 15, 2020. While it has saved vehicle owners from waiting at toll booths to pay the toll, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has additionally announced that vehicles running without the FASTag after January 1, 2020, will be charged twice the normal rate at the toll gates. Fortunately, you can easily do your FASTag rechargeonline via apps like PayTM, Mobikwik, Amazon Pay or websites like Airtel Payments Bank, etc.
To make you more aware, we are hereby listing some dos and don’ts for using FASTag-
- Verify your transactions after payment:
The user usually gets a payment confirmation after the toll amount is deducted. So it is always a better idea to verify your transactions on your portal/website/app after the journey.
- Don’t mishandle the chip:
The chip on the tag helps the scanner to identify your vehicle. Do not press the tag too hard while sticking it or move it somewhere else since it will damage the chip.
- Review the charges before purchase:
Banks charge a fixed deposit and recharge value threshold limit according to their internal policy. Make sure to check the “Fee and Charge” section of your preferred portal. While purchasing FASTag or doing FASTag recharge online through websites like Airtel Payments Bank or other apps such as Mobikwik, PayTM, etc you will be able to check the breakup of the amount being charged.
- Don’t paste the FASTag on a dirty or wet surface:
This increases the chances of it not being scanned properly or coming off.
- Use multiple tags for different vehicles:
You have to buy, activate and recharge FASTags for all vehicles you have. Before buying it, check if it is applicable for vehicles that you have. For example- Airtel FASTagis applicable for cars, vans and jeeps.
- Don’t buy or recharge FASTag from shady sources:
Fraudsters are everywhere. People are likely to get duped by authentic-looking portals which might misuse their billing credentials for committing frauds. To avoid this, it is advisable that you do your research and opt for known e-portals like Airtel Payments Bank that initiate secure transactions.
Buying and recharging FASTag has become easy with e-commerce portals like Amazon, Paytm and Airtel Payments Bank. It proves to be a better option than banks since Airtel Payments Bank offers a cashback of Rs. 50 and a maximum of Rs. 100 that is equal to a one-time tag cost of Rs. 100. That makes it technically free. Moreover, these portals allow you to perform several other functions like water bill payment, electricity bill payment, broadband payment and more.