Centre mandates FASTags for 4-wheelers from Dec! Here's how you can get it
FASTag is a device that uses RFID technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid account linked to it.
Mumbai: In line with the promise of promoting digital India and enabling hassle-free transportation, the Centre has made it mandatory for all new four-wheelers to have FASTag devices fixed on front windscreens by automobile manufacturers or authorised dealers.
FASTag is a device that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid account linked to it. It is affixed on the windscreen of a vehicle and enables you to drive through toll plazas without stopping for payment.
NHAI has also rolled out dedicated FASTag lanes at toll booths.
"...Motor Vehicles sold on and after December 1, 2017 shall be fitted with FASTag as may be specified by the central government, from time to time by the manufacturer of the vehicle or its authorised dealer, as the case may be," a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said on Friday.
FASTag has five-year validity and after purchasing it, one need only recharge as per one's requirement.
So how does one obtain a FASTag?
1. FASTag has a one time fee of Rs 200.
2. Customers can visit any of the Point of Sale (POS) locations at Toll Plazas or Issuer Agency to get their FASTag account activated. A list of POS locations is available here.
3. One may require Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle, passport size photograph of oneself/owner and KYC documents as per the category of the vehicle owner (Any 1 of these will suffice - Driving License, PAN Card Passport, Voter ID Card and Aaadhar Card).
How does one know how and when the money gets debited?
Customers will receive an SMS with the details to their registered mobile numbers as soon as the toll transaction takes place.
How is the payment made?
Issuer Agency will electronically deduct the applicable toll fee from the customer’s account linked to the FASTag. One should make sure that one’s account is adequately funded. One may occasionally recharge it from time to time up to Rs 1 lakh.