The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stepped up enforcement of FASTag compliance, warning that misuse of the electronic toll system could lead to blacklisting as authorities seek to curb rising fraud risks.
The move comes amid growing instances of improper FASTag usage, including tags not being affixed to vehicle windscreens, incorrect vehicle registration details, and attempts to use a single tag across multiple vehicles. Officials noted that such practices disrupt toll collection efficiency and compromise system integrity.
NHAI has directed FASTag issuing banks to verify vehicle registration numbers (VRNs) linked to tags and deactivate or blacklist those with invalid or mismatched data. This step is aimed at strengthening the reliability of the electronic toll collection system and preparing it for advanced tolling technologies.
Authorities have also reiterated that FASTags must be properly fixed on the windscreen to ensure seamless scanning at toll plazas. Tags that are held by hand or used improperly may be flagged and blacklisted to prevent misuse.
In addition, misuse such as tag swapping or non-compliance with the “one vehicle, one FASTag” norm is being closely monitored. Such violations may attract penalties, including double toll charges or deactivation of the tag.
The stricter norms are part of a broader push to modernise India’s tolling ecosystem, including the transition toward barrier-free toll collection systems. Ensuring accurate data and proper usage is considered critical for enabling technologies like multi-lane free-flow tolling and automated enforcement mechanisms.
With digital tolling becoming the backbone of highway infrastructure, the authority has emphasised that compliance with FASTag rules will be essential to ensure smooth travel, reduce congestion, and prevent revenue leakages.