In this rapidly evolving digital age, FASTag represents seamless and convenient travel. However, the usefulness of FASTag is dependent on compliance with specific mandates. To avoid being blacklisted, you must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and also conduct regular status checks.
Join us as we review this beneficial guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of the steps required to maintain an active and compliant FASTag account.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India that utilizes RFID technology to enable automatic toll deductions from a linked prepaid account as vehicles pass through toll plazas. It allows non-stop travel without fumbling for cash or waiting in long queues.
Benefits of FASTag
- Time-Saving: With FASTag, long lines at toll booths become a thing of the past, significantly reducing travel time.
- Fuel Efficiency: Less idling at toll plazas means saving on fuel and contributing to a greener environment.
- Convenience: Recharge your FASTag account online and manage your expenses with ease.
- Cashless Transactions: Enhance safety and convenience by avoiding cash transactions.
- Online Tracking: Closely on your toll payments and account balance through online portals.
Why Avoid FASTag Blacklisting?
- Uninterrupted Travel: A blacklisted FASTag means your vehicle could be stopped at toll plazas, causing delays and inconvenience.
- Financial Penalties: Blacklisted tags can lead to higher toll charges, sometimes double the standard rate.
- Compliance: Keeping your FASTag active ensures compliance with traffic regulations and avoids legal complications.
- Reputation: Regularly maintaining your FASTag account reflects responsible vehicle ownership and adherence to the law.
5 Ways to steer clear of the blacklisting pitfall
- Maintain Sufficient Balance: Ensure your FASTag account is always topped up to meet minimum balance requirements.
- Complete KYC: Update your KYC details to prevent the deactivation of your FASTag.
- Adhere to Guidelines: Follow the rules set by the issuing agency, including proper tag placement and usage.
- Address Violations Promptly: Clear any outstanding violation penalties swiftly to avoid blacklisting.
- Report Fraud: Look for suspicious activity and report it immediately to maintain the integrity of your account.
By embracing FASTag and its benefits while diligently avoiding blacklisting, we can all contribute to a smoother, more efficient roadway system.
What is the deadline for updating KYC, and what are the consequences of not doing so?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had set February 29th as the deadline to update KYC. If you missed the cut-off date, don’t worry.
Due to the ongoing PayTM Bank chaos, NHAI offered major relief to vehicle owners by extending the deadline from February 29th to March 31st.
Will non-KYC customers receive prompts to complete their KYC verification?
When your FASTag KYC is incomplete, you will receive notifications over 2 years to complete the process.
Email & SMS Alerts: You’ll receive an email and SMS prompting you to update your KYC before the FASTag wallet expires so you can enjoy uninterrupted services.
SMS notifications will be triggered after 639 days, 701 days, and 730 days and then a final reminder will be sent on 731 days before blocking.
App Notifications: The issuing bank’s application interface may send you reminders.
How to check FASTag KYC status?
Access Your Account: Log in to the FASTag portal of your issuing bank or payment provider.
Navigate to KYC: Look for the ‘KYC’ option within the dashboard or menu.
Status Overview: View the KYC status displayed on your profile or account summary.
Customer Support: If unclear, contact customer service for direct confirmation of your KYC status.
How to update FASTag KYC online?
Steps for FASTags Issued by NHAI
Step 1: The Portal of Preparation Visit the official FASTag website.
Step 2: Log in to your account with your registered mobile number.
Step 3: Go to ‘My Profile’ on the dashboard. You’ll find your current KYC status and the path to update it here.
Step 4: Click on the KYC tab and choose the correct ‘Customer Type’ – individual or corporate.
Step 5: Prepare your documents—a profile picture and identity and address proof. Upload these documents on the portal.
Step 6: Click the Declaration checkbox “I/We confirm the attached documents are authentic documents. I/We have the originals with us” and submit.
Steps for FASTAG Issued by Banks and Other Financial Institutions
Step 1: Go to Request For NETC FASTag – NETC FASTag
Step 2: From the dropdown, select your member Bank. Click on the Bank URL to be redirected to the Bank’s website.
Step 3: Please submit a copy of your vehicle registration certificate and valid identification and address proof.
For Offline KYC Submission, obtain a physical FASTag KYC form from your respective bank and submit it with the necessary enclosures.
What are FASTag KYC Documents?
According to RBI guidelines, you must furnish any of the under-noted Officially Valid Documents (OVDs) for KYC compliance-
- Permanent Account Number (PAN)
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Also, submit a passport-size photograph and a copy of your vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).
What is the processing time for my KYC request?
Your KYC updation may take up to 7 working days to get processed. To check the current status of your FASTag KYC, visit the “My Profile” page of the customer portal.
If the documents you submit are valid and match the information you provided during registration, your KYC will be approved, and your status will be updated to KYC Complaint.
If the information is mismatched or the documents submitted are invalid, your KYC will be rejected, and you must resubmit the documents with the required changes.
Full KYC vs Minimum KYC FASTag
| Full-KYC | Minimum KYC | |
| Documents Required | Requires complete identity verification. Detailed personal information and documents are required for physical verification at a bank branch. | Involves partial identity verification with limited details provided by the customer |
| Bank Account Linking | Savings account mapped with FASTag. | No Savings account mapping is required. |
| Recharge Limit | Can hold a maximum wallet balance of ₹1 lakh at any time | The wallet balance cannot exceed ₹10,000 in any month.And the total amount loaded during a financial year should not surpass ₹1 lakh. |
How to manage multiple FASTags?
Identify the Latest FASTag: Find the most recent FASTag issued for your vehicle.
Deactivate Old FASTags: Contact the banks that issued your previous FASTags and ask them to deactivate the old tags.
Update KYC for Active FASTag: Check that the KYC for your active FASTag is complete and in line with RBI guidelines.
Discard Old Tags: Remove and discard old FASTags from your vehicle to prevent confusion or misuse.
The Bottom Line
FASTag is the flagship program of NHAI and the Ministry of Road and Transport. The primary motivation for electronic toll collection is to reduce carbon footprints, save fuel, and enable seamless travel.
On January 15th, NHAI launched the “One Vehicle One Fastag” initiative to simplify the toll collection process, prevent fraud, and improve data accuracy.
Mark your calendars, set phone reminders, or get a tattoo. But don’t miss the last chance to update your FASTag KYC, which has been extended until March 31st. If still not done, rush to the FASTag website today for hassle-free highway travel.
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Can I use one FASTag for multiple vehicles?
No, each vehicle must have its own FASTag as per the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ rule set by NHAI.
Is there a way to track my FASTag transactions and balance in real time?
Yes, you can access the issuing Bank’s mobile app or other portals like PhonePe to monitor transactions and check balances.
Can I transfer my FASTag to another vehicle if I sell my car?
No, FASTags are non-transferable. You must close the existing FASTag account and the new owner should apply for a new one.
What happens if my FASTag is damaged or lost?
Report the issue to the issuing Bank immediately and apply for a replacement FASTag to avoid misuse.
How can I avoid service disruption with my FASTag while travelling?
Keep your FASTag active with a sufficient balance and updated KYC to ensure smooth toll transactions.
What does getting blacklisted mean for a FASTag, and how can I avoid it?
Being blacklisted means that your FASTag is deactivated and cannot be used for transactions. This can end up in financial and legal penalties. To avoid this, keep your FASTag recharged and your KYC up to date.
I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.