FASTag Rule: This is big news for highway travelers. The government has amended the FASTag rules and implemented strict new regulations. Failure to pay the toll will now result in double the fine after 72 hours. Learn about the new rules and the full system.
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New FASTag Rule: There’s big news for highway travelers. The government has amended the FASTag rules and implemented strict new regulations. Now, if a toll plaza payment via FASTag is not accepted for any reason, vehicle owners must make the payment within the stipulated time, or face double the penalty.
If payment is not made within 72 hours, you will be charged double.
According to the new rule, if a vehicle passes through a barrier-free toll plaza without paying the toll and does not clear the balance within 72 hours, it will be charged double. This means that if you fail to pay on time, you will have to pay double the original toll.
Why were these new rules introduced?
The government has taken this decision to curb toll crossings without paying and to further strengthen the digital toll system and ensure compliance. This change has been implemented as part of an amendment to the National Highway Fee Rules.
Responsibility of toll agencies also fixed
Responsibility has been fixed not only on drivers but also on toll agencies. If a toll agency does not act on a consumer’s complaint within five days, the outstanding toll demand will automatically expire. This means that if the agency is at fault and the issue is not resolved in time, you may receive relief.
What is ‘unpaid user fee’?
The amended rules clearly define ‘unpaid user fee’. This refers to toll that is not collected despite the electronic toll collection system confirming the vehicle’s passage. In such cases, registered vehicle owners will be sent an electronic notice containing vehicle details, the date and location of the toll crossing, and the amount due.
These notices will be sent via SMS, email, mobile app, and a dedicated portal. Additionally, the National Electronic Toll Collection System will be linked to the vehicle database ‘Vahan’ to easily identify vehicles with outstanding dues.
Important Advice for FASTag Users
Always maintain sufficient balance in your FASTag. Check transaction alerts. If there’s a problem, file a complaint immediately. Ensure payment is made within 72 hours. Overall, the government has implemented new rules to make toll collection transparent and strict. This will ensure action against violators while also providing protection and relief to genuine users.
