New FASTag rules come into effect from today: Here's all you need to know

In a significant move the National Payments Corporation of India NPCI has introduced new toll collection regulations set to be implemented from Wednesday February 17These changes in the NPCI guidelines are aimed at streamlining toll transactions and gaining control over fraudulent activitiesNoncompliance with these rules by the users may lead to doubled amount of charges of toll fees according to the circular released by the National Payments Corporation Of India NPCI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways MoRTHAs per the release on January 28 ldquoTransactions that are presented shall be validated based on reader read time and the time at which the tag is placed under hotlistlow balanceblacklist Transactions presented on tags which are not active for more than 60 minutes prior to reader read time and up to 10 minutes after reader read time shall be declined with reason code 176 This shall be implemented effective February 17 2025rdquoNew FASTag RulesBlacklisted FASTags As per new rules if a FASTag user is blacklisted at the time of toll payment the transaction will not be processed Moreover if the user was blacklisted at least 10 minutes before scanning the payment will also be rejectedGrace period A grace period of 70 minutes has been provided in order to rectify their FASTag status before reaching the toll boothConsequences of blacklisting In case the FASTag is blacklisted upon reaching the toll a user would be required to pay a double toll fee But if the recharge is done within 10 minutes of tag scanning the users can request a refund for any penalty chargedDelayed transactions If toll transactions are processed over 15 minutes after the vehicle passes the toll reader the users might face additional chargesChargeback Banks post a 15day cooling period can initiate chargebacks for incorrect deductions resulting from blacklisted or lowbalance FASTagsHow to avoid paying double with the new FASTag rulesAccording to the circular FASTag users should ensure that their account has sufficient balance at all times Furthermore the users are also advised to keep track of their balance before entering a toll booth They can also check the FASTag status to ensure it is active and not blacklistedThey should also monitor transaction times to check for delays in deduction and also keep a tab on the FASTag status so as to prevent rejections due to inactivityFASTag is an RFID passive tag that is used for making toll payments directly from the customers linked prepaid or savingscurrent account stuck on the windscreen of the vehicle it enables the customer to drive through toll plazas without stopping for any toll payments The toll fare is directly deducted from the customers linked account