FASTag is an RFID-based system introduced by the Indian Government to control vehicular traffic at different toll plazas throughout the country. However, the FASTag remains valid for five years, so you must renew it. Moreover, you need to recharge your FASTag to ensure that there are funds in your wallet account. The minimum amount for recharge is Rs 100.
To get FASTag, you need to pay a one-time fee of Rs. 200. The charge for Reissuance is Rs 100. The security deposit that varies with your car model is refundable. You need to show your original car registration copy to issue the tag. The tag will become activated within 1 to 2 days. Make sure you have loaded your e-wallet at least 30 minutes before passing through the toll plaza.
Some car owners ask about the offline facility of recharging their FASTag account at the toll plaza. However, there is no option for doing it at toll plazas. The primary goal of the Indian Government is to facilitate electronic payment to avoid traffic at the tolls. Due to this rule, the four-wheelers passing through toll plazas must pay their charges using FASTag. If the FASTag recharge facility is available at tolls, there will be a high traffic volume. That is why you can use your smartphone and recharge the amount. It will save time and effort.
The limited KYC FASTag holders can recharge the account with not more than Rs.20000. For the full KYC FASTag holders, the amount is Rs.100000. However, you must pay the minimum amount for recharge while activating the tag. As there is no offline facility at toll plazas, you can do the recharge using the online mode. You may use your debit card, credit card, net banking, and other modes for recharge.
GPay, PayTm, and PhonePe have added options for recharging FASTag accounts. However, you have to select the banking partner and link your car registration number. In this way, you may recharge easily. You do not need to stand in a long queue at a toll plaza.
Due to the FASTag system, you do not need to have cash for your regular toll tax transaction. You can pay the amount directly from your prepaid account. The Government is successful in ensuring ease of payment.
Moreover, you will receive email and SMS alerts on your mobile. The notifications will inform you about the low balance, toll transactions, and other details.
You cannot enter the toll road without your FASTag. When any car owner has no FASTag, he may need to pay double the amount.
Moreover, in case of damaged RFID and low balance, the amount you have to pay will double. Thus, you must ensure that you have recharged the FASTag account before accessing the toll road. You can save yourself from paying a high amount to highway officials.