New Delhi: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented new FASTag rules, effective from today, February 17th. According to the NPCI circular dated January 28, 2025, FASTag transactions will now be validated based on a specific time frame relative to when the tag is scanned at a toll plaza. These new rules aim to streamline toll transactions and prevent fraudulent activities.

As stated in the NPCI circular, “Transactions that are presented shall be validated based on reader read time and the time at which the tag is placed under hotlist / low balance / blacklist. Transactions presented on tags which are not active for more than 60 minutes prior to reader read time and up to 10 minutes after reader read time shall be declined with reason code 176”

What are these new FASTag rules?

• 60 minutes before the FASTag is scanned: If a FASTag has been blacklisted, hotlisted, or has had a low balance for more than an hour before reaching the toll booth, the transaction will be declined.
• 10 minutes after the FASTag is scanned: If the tag remains blacklisted or inactive within 10 minutes of being scanned, the transaction will also be rejected.

It’s important to note that if both conditions apply, the transaction will be declined with error code 176, and the vehicle will be charged double the toll fee as a penalty.

What do the new FASTag rules mean for you?

With these new rules in place, FASTag users will no longer be able to make last-minute recharges if their tag has been blacklisted for over 60 minutes before reaching a toll booth. However, if a user recharges their FASTag within 10 minutes of scanning, they may be eligible for a penalty refund and will only be required to pay the standard toll fee.

What should FASTag users do?

To ensure smooth transactions and avoid penalties, users should maintain a sufficient balance in their FASTag accounts, regularly update their KYC details to prevent blacklisting, and check the status of their FASTag before embarking on long road trips. DeshGujarat