Mandatory FASTag From January 2021

December 29, 2020 nowbuzzing1920

FASTag, a digital highway toll collection tag, will become mandatory in India from January 2021. A valid FASTag for purchases must be there for all highways in the nation. While addressing the virtual event, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, made an announcement on Thursday saying, that FASTag would become mandatory for all vehicles across the country as of 1 January 2021.

Mandatory FASTag From January 2021 — Source

In November of this year, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways released a notice making FASTag mandatory by 1 January 2021 for old vehicles already sold before 1 December 2017 by changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. In addition to the collection of tolls, the FASTag is also made obligatory for the renewal of the vehicle’s annual document. This includes third party protection and the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Permit for Emissions.

What is FASTag ?

FASTag uses the Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) that deals with the identification of the vehicle and the account linked to the sticker. Payment is rendered online by means of a FASTag connected to the bank wallet. FASTag helps with a fast and convenient toll collection transaction and prevents any waiting period at the toll plaza.

After its inception in the country, FASTag has reached over 2.2 crore users. There is a range of solutions in it to recharge the FASTag. This includes the Bharat Bill Payment Scheme, UPI, online transfers, My FASTag Mobile App, PayTM, Google Pay, and more. Cash recharge service is also available near Toll Plazas for the convenience of passengers.

See here : Government Allows FASTag Recharge Through BHIM App )

How do I acquire FASTag ?

According to the Ministry of Road and Highway Transport, FASTag can be bought from all national highway charging stations. Regional transport offices (RTOs), transport hubs, common service centers as well as petrol pumps also provide the service.

You can also purchase FASTag from branches or online services of banks. HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Axis Bank, City Union Bank are some examples. They can also be obtain them via PayTM and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.