Starting February 17, 2025, new FASTag balance validation rules from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) are being rolled out. These new FASTag rules will impact how toll payments are processed. These changes aim to improve the system and require users to be more vigilant about their FASTag status. Failing to understand these rules could result in a “code 176” error and rejection of your FASTag payment at toll plazas.
What are the new FASTag rules
The NPCI circular, dated January 28, 2025, focuses on the timing of FASTag balance validation. Specifically, it states that transactions will be declined if the tag has been Blacklisted (due to low balance, KYC issues, or registration mismatches) for more than 60 minutes before the tag is read at the toll plaza and remains Blacklisted for at least 10 minutes after it’s read. This new rule introduces a 70-minute window (60 minutes prior + 10 minutes after) for users to rectify their FASTag status.
What does the change in FASTag rule mean for users
The change in FASTag rules essentially means that you can no longer rely on a last-minute recharge to clear a Blacklisted FASTag at the toll booth. While a grace period exists, if your FASTag is already Blacklisted when you approach the toll, simply recharging immediately before or after won’t guarantee acceptance.
Three scenarios FASTag users need to know about this change in FASTag rule
Scenario 1: If your FASTag is blacklisted before you reach the toll, and remains so when the tag is read, the transaction will be declined (code 176), and you’ll likely be charged double the toll.
Scenario 2: If your FASTag is blacklisted, but you recharge it within 60 minutes before your tag is read or within 10 minutes after it’s read, the transaction will be accepted, and you’ll be charged the normal toll.
Scenario 3: If your FASTag is blacklisted when you cross the toll, you’ll be charged double. However, if you recharge within 10 minutes of the tag being read, you can request a refund of the penalty (the extra toll charge).
This means that it is important to maintain sufficient balance in your FASTag and address any KYC or registration issues well in advance of your travel. Don’t wait until the last minute, as the new rules may lead to declined transactions and extra charges.
FinTech lawyer Utkarsh Bhatnagar told Economic Times that the transaction will only be declined if the tag has been on the hotlist/exception list for more than 60 minutes before the user arrives and remains on the list for at least 10 minutes after leaving. This grace period allows users time to recharge, preventing unnecessary issues.
What are Blacklisted or Hotlisted FASTags
FASTag blacklisted or hotlisted means that it has been deactivated or suspended from use at toll plazas for various reasons like insufficient balance, expired documentation or unresolved legal matters concerning your vehicle.
How to check if your FASTag is Blacklisted
The status of your FASTag can be checked in the following ways:
Check your FASTag status from the Customer Portal: Log in to the FASTag Customer Portal (https://fastaglogin.icicibank.com/CUSTLOGIN/Default.aspx) and check the status. It will be evident from the results whether your FASTag is Blocked, Dormant or Operational. So, before you hit the road, make sure your FASTag is working correctly with this simple check. You can get in touch with your issuer to quickly fix any problems if your FASTag is Blacklisted. Users also receive an SMS alert when their tag balance goes low or negative.
How to unblock a FASTag
* Recharge the FASTag account to the required minimum balance
* Verify the payment and the status of the FASTag
* Wait for the FASTag to get activated