The FASTag was a groundbreaking technology considering the toll tax collection system in India. The use of RFID sensors has ensured that the traffic movement is streamlined and the wait times are less than 10 seconds!
Yes!
NHAI has laid down a specific set of guidelines and new FASTag rules to ensure smooth functioning of the system. This blog will help you understand the FASTag new rules.
NHAI FASTag rules
The NHAI website has the FASTag rules and regulation PDF, which has mentioned all the standard operating procedures and the guidelines for exemptions as well. Here are the key rules which you have to keep in mind when it comes to FASTag.
FASTag is mandatory: The government has mandated the use of FASTag for the purpose of toll payment and collection since February 2021. This includes all vehicles, whether commercial or personal.
Functional FASTags: To enforce the mandate, the revised NHAI suggests collecting twice as much toll as the regular payment, in case there is no FASTag installed or the FASTag is invalid. These cases cause problems to others on the road as well and hence the fine has been proposed. You are advised to check your FASTag balance and ensure that the RFID barcode is in the correct condition.
Waiting Time: According to the NHAI's new criteria, the wait time at toll plazas cannot exceed 10 seconds. If you happen to wait for more than 10 seconds, you will not be charged a toll.
For third-party insurance, FASTag is a must-have: Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to register your vehicle for a third-party insurance, is a mandate. For purchasing any third party insurance, having a FASTag attached to your vehicle is necessary according to the new NHAI FASTag rules. Hence even if you are not taking your vehicle to the highways, the use of FASTag is necessary.
Validity: Each FASTag is issued for a validity period of 5 years. While there is no such rule for not recharging leading to FASTag becoming invalid, it is still suggested that you do FASTag recharges on a regular basis in order to maintain a sufficient balance.
One vehicle One FASTag: Each vehicle can only use one FASTag according to the FASTag rules NHAI has laid down. Only one car can use this FASTag at a time because it is associated with the vehicle's registration number. Using the same FASTag for multiple vehicles will incur penalties. You need to obtain a FASTag for every vehicle you own if you have more than one.
Vehicle Queue: The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTA) rules suggest that the length of vehicle queues at the toll plazas shall not be more than one hundred metres. This is a direct reflection of the above stated rules regarding FASTag as well, as lesser wait times will ensure traffic flow in a fluid manner. Also it has been made a mandatory requirement to place a yellow line at a distance of 100 metres from the toll plaza to demarcate each individual toll lane.
Also Read:- How to find my fastag issuer
Exemption Criteria
While the above mentioned rules apply to all the vehicles, there are some exceptions as well. The FASTag rules and regulation pdf has also mentioned FASTag rules for government vehicles and other criteria for exemptions. Here is a gist of what is mentioned in the document.
According to the January 2019 guidelines for exempted mechanical vehicles from FASTag, the NHAI will facilitate free issuance of FASTag for usage through designated agencies. This will also involve maintaining records, and ensuring procurement of exempted FASTags. The applications for the same can be processed online, via the NHAI website or through select government offices including the RTO. Dignitaries, official vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles for persons with disabilities qualify for exemptions. To make sure that there is no misuse, a monthly report by the departments are mandated, hence the NHAI HQ oversees the whole process. Following is a list of all the vehicles mentioned in the act qualifying for exemption.
| Transporting and accompanying | Used for official purpose by | Used as ambulance |
|---|---|---|
| The President of India | An Executive Magistrate; | Used as funeral van |
| The Army Commander or Vice-Chief of Army Staff and equivalent in other services | Government of India | |
| The awardee of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, if such awardee produces his or her photo identity card duly authenticated by the appropriate or competent authority for such award | Mechanical vehicles specially designed and constructed for use by a person suffering from physical disability. | |
| The Cabinet Minister of the Union | The Central and State armed forces in uniform including Para military forces and police; | |
| The Chairman of the Legislative Council of a State | The fire-fighting Department or organisation; | |
| The Chief Justice of a High Court | the Ministry of Defense including those which are eligible for exemption in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Toll (Army and Air Force) Act, 1901 and rules made there under, as extended to Navy also; | |
| The Chief Justice of India | The National Highway Authority of India or any other Government organisation using such vehicle for inspection, survey, construction or operation of national highways and maintenance thereof; | |
| The Chief Minister of a State | ||
| The Chief of Staff holding the rank of full General or equivalent rank | ||
| The Chief Secretary to a State Government within concerned State The Secretary to the Government of India | ||
| The Foreign dignitary on State visit | ||
| The Governor of a State | ||
| The Judge of a High Court | ||
| The Judge of the Supreme Court | ||
| The Lieutenant Governor of a Union territory | ||
| The Member of legislative Assembly of a State and the Member of Legislative Council of a State within their respective State, if he or she produces his or her identity card issued by the concerned Legislature of the State | ||
| The Member of Parliament | ||
| The Minister of State of the Union | ||
| The Prime-Minister of India | ||
| The Secretary, Council of States | ||
| The Secretary, House of People | ||
| The Speaker of the House of People | ||
| The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of a State | ||
| The Vice-President of India |
Also Read:- How to Deactivate Fastag
Conclusion
FASTag is a remarkable technology and has been revolutionary since it was introduced in 2014. The future roadmap is doing away with the FASTag and adopting GPS based toll collection. This technology will soon be implemented as it is already in the pilot testing. For more information about toll collection technologies and all things cars, stay tuned with Park+.