FASTag Not Getting Scanned? - Here’s What You Need to Know

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India, managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It utilizes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll payments deducted from a prepaid or savings account. The tag is attached to the front windshield of the vehicle, allowing vehicles to drive through toll plazas without having to stop for a transaction.

Why is FASTag Not Getting Scanned at Toll Plazas?

There can be multiple reasons for your FASTag not working and not being scanned at a toll plaza. Knowing these reasons will make it easier to work toward a resolution.

1. Incorrect Tag Placement If the FASTag is not on the windshield in the correct position, the scanner will not read/scan it. Make sure the tag is adhered to the inside of the windscreen properly, with nothing obstructing it.

2. Damaged / Tampered Tag The FASTag may be unreadable due to being damaged (scratches) or tampered. Make sure to regularly check your FASTag for damage or wear and tear.

3. Low Balance If your FASTag balance gets too low, it may be black listed rendering it unreadable. You should always check your balance before traveling.

4. Expired Tag FASTags on standard account types expire after 5 years. An expired FASTag will never be read/scanned. Check the expiry date and get it replaced if it is near expiry.

5. Technical Issues There are occasions where technical issues with FASTags arise, where the diligence of the toll administrator is affected by the uncertainty of the server at the toll plaza or the outage of the scanning equipment at that toll station. Technical issues and offline accounts are implications of the toll operator.

What to Do if FASTag Doesn’t Get Scanned at the Toll Plaza?

If your FASTag is not reading at a toll plaza, there are some pointers you can try:

1. Ask for a Rescan Ask the toll operator to rescan the FASTag. Sometimes, all it takes is a rescan.

2. Ask about using a Handheld Scanner If the fixed scanner doesn't want to read it, ask to see whether it may be read by using a handheld scanner.

3. Pay for your toll manually and keep the receipt If, after all the attempts above, your FASTag still doesn't read, pay manually, but keep the receipt, just in case a follow-up dispute resolution might be necessary.

4. Report the Problem You can call the customer support of your FASTag issuer, and report to them what has happened. They may be able to help you and they may also issue you a replacement if necessary.

Things to Do to Ensure the Smooth Scanning of FASTag

To prevent issues with your FASTag, follow these best practices:

• Proper Placement The correct placement of your FASTag is one of the most important ways to ensure a hassle-free scan. Attaching it to your front windshield is the best practice, even better done directly behind the rearview mirror, so the RFID scanner at the toll plaza can see it. Placing your FASTag on tinted or metallized glass, placing it behind stickers or sunshades, never works as these will block the radio waves.

  If your tag is misaligned or hidden, it will commonly not be scanned. Failed scans tend to lead to delays and often double charges.

• Maintain Sufficient Balance One of the most common causes of FASTag failure at the toll booth is having a low balance in your wallet or bank account. Most FASTag accounts are prepaid, where you need to recharge the FASTag before the trip. It should be noted that on some occasions when your FASTag reaches a certain balance, it will have fallen inactive or blacklisted and you will have to pay manual toll and you will not receive rebates and will be penalized. Depending on your preferences, you may want to consider alerts or auto-recharge to prevent a troublesome situation.

• Regular Inspection Wear and tear can physically deteriorate the RFID chip contained in the FASTag sticker. Heat, moisture, or accidental scratches during cleaning can cause the chip to turn into a "dud" bogey system. So, make it a habit to check the tag to see if it has any physical damage, like peeling edges, cracks, or discoloration. If you see any of these signs of deterioration, please contact your issuing bank or FASTag provider to request a new tag right away.

• Stay Informed All FASTags have a limited period of validity, which is usually around five years from the date of issue. If you are using an expired FASTag, it might not be picked up by the scanners and you may have a hold up at the toll plaza. Always check your tag for the expiry date and start the renewal process early. Further, stay informed of the policies or technical upgrades provided by NHAI or your FASTag provider.

• Monitor Transactions Monitoring your FASTag transactions closely will reveal inconsistencies, such as wrong deductions, duplicate transactions, or failed scans at toll gates. Monitoring your actual travel also generates confidence in compiling the right toll amount. Most banks or FASTag issuers offer mobile apps, SMS or email alerts that offer easy access to real-time account transactions. Staying on top of your account balance and current Transactions ensures that your tag stays active and you avoid over-payments.

Conclusion

Having your FASTag work properly is important for smooth travel through toll plazas in India. Knowing the common problems and the solutions, you can avoid delays and a miserable travel experience. Regular checking and maintenance is the best way to keep your FASTag running smoothly.