Don’t Make This FASTag Mistake; NHAI’s New Rule Could Get You Blacklisted
New Delhi, July 11, 2025 – In a bid to enhance the efficiency of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stricter measures to curb the misuse of loose FASTags, also known as “tag-in-hand”. The new policy mandates toll operators to report and blacklist FASTags that are not properly affixed to vehicle windshields, ensuring smoother toll operations and reducing delays for highway users.
Why Loose FASTags Are a Problem?
FASTags, which have achieved a 98% penetration rate in India, are designed to be fixed on the vehicle’s windshield for seamless toll transactions. However, some vehicle owners deliberately keep their FASTags loose or in hand instead of sticking them properly. This practice leads to:
- Lane congestion at toll plazas
- False chargebacks due to improper scanning
- Misuse in closed-loop tolling systems
- Disruptions in Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) framework
- Unnecessary delays for other highway users
NHAI’s New Rule: Immediate Reporting & Blacklisting
To tackle this issue, NHAI has streamlined its policy, directing Toll Collecting Agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report such cases via a dedicated email ID. Upon receiving reports, NHAI will blacklist or hotlist the non-compliant FASTags, preventing further misuse.
This move comes ahead of key initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, where FASTag authenticity is critical for system reliability.
How to Avoid FASTag Blacklisting?
Vehicle owners must ensure their FASTag is properly affixed to the windshield as per guidelines. Failure to comply may result in blacklisting, requiring reapplication and potential penalties.
FASTag’s Role in India’s Toll Collection System
Since its nationwide implementation, FASTag has revolutionized toll payments, reducing cash transactions and improving traffic flow. However, loose FASTags threaten this progress. NHAI’s latest step aims to enhance efficiency, ensuring seamless journeys for all highway users.
Key Takeaways:
- Loose FASTags will now be blacklisted
- Toll operators must report non-compliant users
- Proper FASTag installation is mandatory
- New rule supports upcoming MLFF & Annual Pass systems
For smooth toll transactions, vehicle owners must stick their FASTags correctly and avoid penalties.
