The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced new FASTag balance validation rules, which will come into effect from 17 February 2025. These updates aim to make toll payments smoother while reducing fraudulent transactions. However, vehicle owners must be aware of these changes to avoid payment failures at toll booths.
Key Changes in FASTag Validation
According to NPCI’s circular issued on 28 January 2025, FASTag transactions will now be checked within a specific time frame before and after the tag is scanned at a toll plaza. The new system includes two important time limits:
- If a FASTag has been blacklisted, placed on a hotlist, or marked as low balance for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll booth, the payment will be declined.
- If the FASTag remains blacklisted or inactive within 10 minutes after being scanned, the transaction will also be rejected.
If both these conditions are met, the system will decline the transaction with error code 176, and the vehicle owner will have to pay twice the toll fee as a penalty.
How These Changes Affect FASTag Users
FASTag accounts are classified as either active (whitelisted) or inactive (blacklisted). A FASTag may be blacklisted due to insufficient balance, incomplete KYC verification, or incorrect vehicle registration details.
Under the new rules, last-minute recharges will not work if the FASTag has been blacklisted for over an hour before reaching the toll plaza. However, if a recharge is done within 10 minutes of a failed transaction, the penalty charge may be refunded, and only the normal toll fee will be deducted.
Steps to Avoid FASTag Penalties
To ensure smooth toll payments and avoid extra charges, vehicle owners should:
- Keep sufficient balance in their FASTag account well in advance
- Update KYC details regularly to prevent blacklisting
- Check FASTag status before starting a long journey
By staying updated and managing FASTag balances properly, motorists can avoid unnecessary delays and additional toll charges under the new system.