How Does FASTag Work?

Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), FASTag makes toll payments directly from the user’s prepaid or savings account that has been linked to their FASTag card. The toll booth directly scans this card on the vehicle’s windshield and wirelessly processes the payment without requiring cash. Hence, you do not have to stop to pay the toll fee as the payment will be completed automatically. In the case of prepaid accounts, they should be recharged beforehand to avail the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) services.

How to Use FASTag & Activate it

There are two modes of obtaining and activating the FASTag for your vehicle, offline and online method: 

• Activate FASTag in Online Mode

Here’s how you can apply for FASTag online with just a few steps:

Step 1: Purchase the FASTag from the PoS terminal or an online FASTag retailer.

Step 2: Download the ‘My FASTag’ application from the app store on your mobile.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Activate NHAI FASTag’ option on the homepage.

Step 4: Select the site where you purchased the FASTag and enter the FASTag ID or scan the QR code to activate it.

Step 5: Provide your vehicle details such as the vehicle type, registration number, etc. required on the page.

Step 6: Link your bank account or choose the prepaid wallet facility to recharge and pay the toll charges.

• Activate FASTag in Offline Mode

In case the online FASTag method isn’t for you, obtain one with this offline process:

Step 1: Visit a FASTag certified bank and fill out the application form.

Step 2: Submit your KYC documents, passport-sized photos and Registration Certificate (RC).

Step 3: The pre-activated FASTag shall be delivered to you with the login credentials for the portal and a tag sticker.

Step 4: The login credentials can be used to recharge the FASTag account and zip through the toll booths.

How Much Does FASTag Cost?

Let’s understand the issuance and security deposit fee for a FASTag before we move to the charges based on the vehicle types:

• FASTag issuance fee (one time): ₹100

• Reissuance fee: ₹100

• Security deposit: ₹200

Documents Required to Buy FASTag

Here is a list of documents that you must keep handy while purchasing FASTag:

• KYC documents for ID and address proof

• Vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC)

• Passport size photo

Apply for a FASTag Hassle-Free

The NHAI or National Highway Authority of India has authorised 22 banks to provide the FASTag cards. So, there are both offline and online ways of applying for a FASTag based on what’s convenient for you!

How to Apply for FASTag Online

You can choose to apply for FASTag with any of the 22 authorised banks through their online portals. Furthermore, there are various authorised e-commerce retailers that sell FASTag online. You can head over to their websites to get a FASTag card.

How to Apply for FASTag Offline

For offline mode of purchase, you can get the FASTtag from the Point-of-Sale (PoS) at the toll plazas, certified bank branches, common service centres, etc. Thus, you shall have no trouble getting the FASTag in India and benefiting from it!

What are the Benefits of Using FASTag?

Did you know the FASTag benefits have made it quite easy and simple for owner-drivers? Here’s how:

• FASTag speeds up the toll process through automated payment.

• Accommodates increasing traffic without creating additional lanes.

• Reduces one’s carbon footprint by eliminating vehicular emissions at toll plazas that arise from slow lanes.

• Offers customers the flexibility to pay their toll electronically, without having to worry about having cash on hand.

• Reduces cash handling which enhances audit control by centralising user accounts.

• Promotes comprehensive data collection, such as tabulating the vehicle count for the day.

• Enables customers to earn cashback on the transactions made on the National Highway.

• The toll charge statement can be easily accessed through the FASTag web portal.

But What About Toll Exemptions for Certain Categories?

So, are you wondering how FASTag works for vehicles that are exempted from toll fees? There are 35 categories of vehicles that are exempted from paying toll charges as they are travelling in the service of the country. If you come under the exempted category, you can apply for FASTag exemption online with these steps:

Step 1: Go to the newly launched website of NHAI (http://exemptedfastag.nhai.org/)

Step 2: Register for the new exempted FASTag by entering details like name, email ID, city and mobile number. The User ID and password will be sent to your email ID.

Step 3: Download the application form from the dashboard of the website.

Step 4: Log in to the FASTag web portal and upload the form along with the required documents before submitting the application.

Step 5: On successful application submission, an email will be sent to the registered mail address with the application case ID. The application status can be tracked with this ID.

Step 6: Upon approval, an email will be sent to the registered mail ID with the details.

Step 7: Soon, you shall receive a call for the registration and issuance of exempted FASTag!

Wrapping it Up!

If you’re on the road often, FASTags can prove to be extremely useful to avoid the long queues on the highway. Apart from opting for FASTags, another mandate that you must tick off the checklist is car insurance. With comprehensive motor insurance, you can ensure your loved ones are thoroughly protected as you traverse the length and breadth of India. To avail an extensive car insurance plan, head over to Bajaj MARKETS and enjoy a swift claim settlement process, 24x7 assistance, and cashless services across 4,000+ garages!

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