Unless you are living under a rock or are a new driver, you have probably heard about FASTag. The electronic toll collection system has taken a huge burden off the highways, and has cut down the waiting lines at toll knockers by a huge margin.

As of February 2021, every vehicle should own a FASTag. If you are driving without a FASTag and you pass a toll booth, you will be required to pay double the tax, so make sure if you don't own one, get it as soon as possible. If you need help with how to buy FASTag, well you have come to the right place. Let us understand the ins and outs of FASTag in this article.
What is a FASTag?
FASTag is basically taking the toll collection to an online platform. It is an electronic toll collection system. It was introduced by NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) as a step to reduce traffic at toll booths, and make the whole system digital. It uses the concept of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to collect payments from the vehicles. The FASTag is generally tied up with wallets like PayTM and Gpay, and these wallets are rechargeable (Now you can opt for using money directly from your bank using UPI system).
How Does FASTag Work?
Here’s a step-by-step process of FASTag:
1. Tag is attached to Vehicle
A small RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is affixed to the inside of your vehicle’s windscreen. This can be obtained from various banks of India, at toll plazas, or online providers like PayTM.
2. FASTag Linked to Prepaid Account
The tag is linked to your bank account, wallet, or prepaid FASTag account with sufficient balance.
3. Approach the Toll Plaza
As your vehicle reaches the toll plaza, the RFID scanner installed at the booths automatically scans your FASTag.
4. Automatic Toll Detection
The RFID scanner reads vehicle details and toll amount based on the category of the vehicle.
5. Toll Fee Deducted Automatically
The exact toll amount is auto-debited from your linked FASTag account or wallet.
6. Confirmation Message Sent
You receive an SMS notification confirming the toll deduction and updated balance.
7. Barrier Opens Automatically
Once payment is successful, the barrier lifts, and you can pass through without stopping.
Is FASTag Card Mandatory in India?
On 16th February 2021, NHAI declared to have FASTag mandatory for all cars driving on highways in India. Here are the penalties for not having FASTag or improper FASTags affixed on the car:
- If you are found driving without FASTag at the toll plaza, you will be charged double the toll fees.
- If your FASTag is improperly affixed, or fake or has insufficient balance it can be blacklisted from the electric toll collection system.
- If your FASTag is blacklisted (due to insufficient balance/legal violations/outdated KYCs) and you use it after it got blacklisted, you will be penalised (Double fine) and even more fines on repeated offences.
Benefits of Having FASTag
FASTag provides cashless transactions, that is obvious. But what are the other plus points of FASTag? Let’s see:
Saves Time
No need for long queues at toll booths. FASTag has cut down hours of traffic to just mere minutes.
Easy Recharges
You can use pre-paid wallets for easy recharges of FASTag balance. Nowadays, you do not even have to worry about that, your money can be directly deducted from the bank. No hassle of remembering to recharge every time.
Works Long Term
Valid FASTag requires recharging only. This tag is valid for 5 years. No need to worry about it for a long time.
Reduce Pollution
No traffic = less pollution. Saves fuel, time, and minimises emissions that are generally higher in traffic. Also, no honking for long queues, reducing noise pollution as well!
SMS Facility
You can check which toll nakas you crossed, how much amount is deducted and at what time the toll was levied in an instant. (You get an SMS containing all this information the second you cross the toll plaza and the money gets deducted.)
Nationwide Validity
A FASTag is valid throughout India. You do not need to do anything if you are planning to visit another state in the country. All you have to make sure is that the FASTag wallet is recharged if not linked to your bank account.
How to Buy a FASTag Card Online?
There are many ways of buying FASTag online. You can do it from your bank or through wallet apps like PayTM:
Through Banks:
- Visit your bank’s website
- Login to your account
- Find “FASTag” section on the webpage (generally its under payments tab)
- Fill in the necessary information (RC of the car, ID proofs, KYC details)
- Pay the necessary fees
- Collect the FASTag from your bank’s branch or ask for home delivery
- Attach the FASTag carefully inside your windscreen.
Through PayTM app:
- Open PayTM app
- Login to your account
- Search for “FASTag”
- Enter your vehicle details
- Submit the required documents
- Give your address for delivery
- Pay using PayTM or through different online options
- Receive your FASTag
- Affix it to your car’s windscreen
How to Buy a FASTag Card Offline?
If you wish to buy the FASTag offline you can do so through:
Toll Booths (NHAI Authorised)
- Visit the nearest NHAI authorised toll booth. (You can find through MyFASTag App)
- Ask the operator for a new FASTag
- Give him the necessary details (Car number, RC details etc)
- Give the necessary documents (RC Copy, ID and Address Proof)
- Pay the first toll (It will become the first balance of your FASTag)
- Receive the FASTag and stick to the windscreen of your car
FASTag Provider Banks
- Banks have affiliated with FASTags (like ICICI, HDFC, etc)
- Visit the nearest branch that provides FASTags
- Provide the necessary details to the teller
- Submit the necessary documents
- Pay the registration fees and receive the FASTag on the spot
- Affix the FASTag to your car’s windscreen.
How to Get FASTag for New Cars
While getting a new car from a dealership, you can request for a FASTag at the dealership itself. Most dealerships nowadays can provide FASTags at their garages. You can opt for this or get FASTags in the above mentioned methods.
Documents Required to Apply for FASTag
For FASTags, you will need the following documents:
- Registration Certificate of the Vehicle
- ID proof of the owner
- Address proof for delivery
- Passport size photos
- KYC documents (Know Your Customer)
How to Activate Your FASTag Card Online?
If you purchase FASTags from Amazon, Flipkart or from dealerships, you might need to activate it before using it. Mostly, these types of FASTags are blank and the remaining work has to be done by you (activating it). Here's how you can activate your FASTags online through MyFASTag App:
- Open MyFASTag App
- Login using your registered phone number
- Click on Activate FASTag
- Select the retailer from whom you bought the FASTag (Amazon/Flipkart)
- Scan QR code on the FASTag or manually put in the 24 digit code
- Fill in the necessary details
- Link your bank account with the FASTag
- Add initial balance to start up the FASTag
- Review the information and click “Activate”
Ways to Get FASTag Instantly
If you are in a hurry, and you forgot to get your FASTags installed, you can also get them over the counter. To get them instantly, apply for FASTags at a toll booth plaza (FASTag authorised) or through an affiliated bank. Another way of getting instant FASTags are through POS, i.e., Point of sales:
- Visit a POS location (For example a petrol pump or toll barrier)
- Provide them with vehicle details documents
- Provide them your FASTag ID
- Scan the QR code and top up your balance
- Get your FASTag card in an instant at such POS
- The activation process may differ depending on the location.
Explore More:
All About Vehicle Fitness Certificate
Should you increase the IDV of your car
Key Takeaways
FASTag has made the toll system in India fast, and transparent. It has lessened the burden of traffic on NHAI especially at toll nakas/plazas. It has become mandatory to get a FASTag for your car, just like it is mandatory for you to carry a valid car insurance policy on public roads of India. Get your FASTags today and ensure seamless highway rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the fastest way to get a FASTag?
You can get FASTags at Toll Plazas, Point of sales and at banks in an instance.
Can I use one FASTag for two cars?
No, each car should have its own unique FASTag.
What should I do if I sell a car that bears a FASTag card?
You cannot transfer the FASTag card, but you can deactivate it.
How to recharge a FASTag?
You can recharge a FASTag using prepaid wallets or netbanking
Is there a validity period for FASTag after purchasing?
Yes, a FASTag is valid for 5 years.
How do I know the amount which has been deducted from my card?
You will get SMS for every amount deducted from your card, you can check your transactions online from where you purchased your FASTag or through MyFASTag app
What is the minimum amount I can top up my FASTag with?
The minimum amount is ₹100
Are there any monthly passes for FASTag?
Yes, the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), with the help of NHAI and banks, has given access to monthly passes for FASTag
Can I drive through tolls without FASTag?
No, you cannot. You will need to pay the toll fine or it will be considered as an offence
Is KYC required for FASTag?
Yes KYC is mandatory for FASTag