FASTag is a small electronic tag placed on the windshield of your car. It uses the Radio Frequency Distribution (RFID) technology and makes you eligible for automatic deduction of toll charges.
However, there are certain cases when your FASTag gets blacklisted and is temporarily deactivated. When this happens, you have to pay the toll amount manually, which is double the toll amount. Some common reasons for blacklisting are:
- Insufficient balance
- Incomplete documentation
- Technical issues
These issues can be easily removed by taking necessary actions. However, still, there are lots of myths and rumours surrounding the blacklisting of FASTags which create confusion and lead to unnecessary panic. In this article, let’s check out these myths and see some important facts related to FASTag blacklisting.
4 common myths about FASTag blacklisting
For most people, blacklisting of their FASTag is seen as a cause of worry. This is generally due to the several myths circulating in the market. Let’s check them out:
Myth I: A blacklisted FASTag can never be reactivated
Be aware that blacklisting is a temporary suspension. A blacklisted FASTag can be reactivated by:
- Resolving the blacklisting reason
and
- Following your service provider’s instructions
For example, say the blacklisting is due to expired KYC. Now, you can connect with your FASTag issuing bank or NBFC and do a re-KYC. Post-verification of submitted documents, your FASTag will be removed from the blacklist.
Myth II: Blacklisting always means you have done something wrong
Blacklisting can occur due to various reasons, such as:
- Technical errors
- Insufficient balance
- Incomplete documentation
It is not necessarily due to any wrongdoing on the user’s part. Mostly, you can easily fix issues with your FASTag account by contacting the customer support team of your service provider.
Myth III: After blacklisting, you will always pay double the toll amount
Since December 15, 2019, it has been mandated that vehicles without an active FASTag must pay double the toll amount while crossing highways. If your FASTag has been blacklisted, it won’t get scanned at the toll plazas and you must pay double.
However, this is not a permanent penalty. Once the issues with your FASTag are fixed, your service provider will reactivate it by removing it from the blacklist. Using an active FASTag, you will again be eligible for automatic toll deductions and start paying the standard toll charges.
Myth IV: Once blacklisted, you can never travel in the FASTag lane
It’s a common misconception that if your FASTag is blacklisted, you can never use the FASTag lane at toll plazas. In reality, this restriction applies only while your FASTag remains inactive.
Once the issue causing the blacklist is resolved (say you have recharged your FASTag account or completed KYC), and your FASTag is reactivated, you can again access any FASTag-enabled lane.
How to avoid FASTag blacklisting
With a blacklisted FASTag, you cannot pass highways without halting. In most cases, you are stopped by the toll operators and requested to pay double the toll amount. To avoid such issues, you can follow these tips:
1. Maintain balance in your FASTag account
The most common reason for blacklisting is ‘insufficient balance’. When your FASTag account balance falls below the minimum requirement it is blacklisted by your service provider to prevent payment failure issues.
To get it re-activated, top-up your FASTag account. Ideally, maintain some minimum balance in your account even if you are not a frequent traveller.
2. Complete KYC documentation
The second most common blacklisting reason is incomplete KYC. In case of wrong or inadequate documents, most service providers blacklist your FASTag account to comply with government regulations.
To resolve this issue, submit all the latest KYC documents to your FASTag provider. Once your documents are verified, your FASTag will be removed from the blacklist.
3. Ensure proper FASTag placement
If the FASTag is not correctly pasted on the vehicle’s windscreen it will not be detected at toll plazas. In response, the authorities blacklist such FASTags to prevent toll evasion.
To ensure proper placement, peel off your existing sticker and paste it again on the windshield (ideally near the rearview mirror). In case you need adhesives, cleaning cloth, or other similar materials, buy them from online marketplaces or physical stores.
4. Avoid misuse
A FASTag is linked to the Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle it was initially registered with. It can only be used for that specific vehicle and cannot be transferred or shared with other vehicles.
If you use the FASTag on an unauthorised vehicle, this violates guidelines and triggers blacklisting for security reasons. Therefore, to keep your FASTag active, avoid misusing it.
Conclusion
FASTag blacklisting makes you ineligible for automatic toll deductions while crossing highways. However, it is a temporary issue and can be resolved with simple actions, such as:
- Maintaining sufficient balance
- Completing KYC documentation
- Installing it properly on the windshield
- Avoiding its misuse
To stay away from confusion, you must also understand the common myths and facts related to FASTag blacklisting. Such an understanding will avoid unnecessary panic and keep your FASTag active.
