FAStags mandatory from Feb 15: All you need to know

FASTag is being made mandatory for all vehicles in India from February 15, 2021. The central government earlier reportedly extended the FASTag deadline for the vehicles in India from January 1, 2021, to February 15, 2021. The Union Ministry of Road Trasport and Highways (MoRTH) had issued a notification in November 2020, making FASTags mandatory for all vehicles from January 1, 2021.

The FASTags have also been made mandatory for the registration of new four-wheelers and are being supplied by the automakers or the dealerships. A valid FASTag will be required for obtaining new third party insurance from April 1, 2021.

To reduce vehicular traffic at the toll plazas, the Government of India (GOI) has mandated all toll plazas, pan India, to make toll payments electronic.

With this mandate, all vehicles traveling through toll plazas will have to mandatorily pay toll charges using FASTag.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a simple to use, reloadable tag which enables automatic deduction of toll charges and lets you pass through the toll plaza without stopping for the cash transaction. FASTag is linked to a prepaid account from which the applicable toll amount is deducted.

The tag employs Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and is affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen after the tag account is active.

Charges for FASTag:

FASTag has a one-time fee of Rs. 200, a Reissuance fee of Rs 100, and a refundable security deposit of Rs 200. (Note: The security deposit may vary depending on vehicle type.)
The MRP of Paytm FASTag is Rs.500 (inclusive of all taxes).

Documents required for FASTag:

You will also have to furnish the original vehicle registration copy for the purpose of tag issuance. After its issuance, the tag will get activated and ready for use within 24 to 48 business hours.

Make sure to recharge your Paytm account/wallet a minimum of 30 minutes before driving through a toll plaza.