New FASTag Rules: Travelers Have 70 Minutes to Resolve Issues Before Toll Payment Decline

Maharashtra, India – February 2025: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced stricter validation rules for FASTag transactions, giving travelers only 70 minutes to address low balances or blacklisted accounts before their toll payments are declined. The new rules, effective February 17, 2025, aim to streamline toll transactions but may cause disruptions for unprepared users.

Revised FASTag Validation Process

Under the updated guidelines, FASTag transactions will be assessed based on the reader’s read time and the account status. If a FASTag is blacklisted, hotlisted, or has insufficient balance for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza and remains unresolved for 10 minutes after, the transaction will be declined with error code 176.

Impact on Travelers

The updated system introduces both advantages and challenges for commuters.

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• Relief for Consumers:
  Arun Moral, Managing Director of Primus Partners, highlighted that these changes will help travelers avoid double toll charges due to blacklisting. “If a user recharges their FASTag within 10 minutes of being read at the toll plaza, they can claim a refund of the penalty and pay only the standard toll fee,” he explained. The new framework also allows NPCI, IHMCL, and NHAI to manage declined transactions more efficiently.
• Stricter Rules for Recharging:
  Vipul Jai, Partner at PSL Advocates & Solicitors, cautioned that last-minute recharges may no longer work. “If your FASTag is flagged for low balance or blacklisting for over an hour before reaching the toll, the transaction will be rejected even if you add funds at the last moment,” he said.
• Enhanced Fraud Prevention:
  Abraham Koshy, Counsel at MVAC Advocates & Consultants, emphasized the security benefits of the rule change. “The 60-minute rule ensures that inactive accounts are declined before reaching the toll, while the 10-minute rule prevents last-minute fraud or manipulation,” he noted.

Understanding the New System

Here’s how the revised validation works in different scenarios:

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1. FASTag Blacklisted Before Toll Arrival:
   • If a FASTag is blacklisted an hour before reaching the toll, the payment will be declined with error code 176, and the traveler will be charged double the toll fee.
2. FASTag Recharged in Time:
   • If a FASTag is recharged at least 60 minutes before or within 10 minutes after being scanned at the toll, the transaction will be accepted, and only the standard toll fee will apply.
3. FASTag Blacklisted but Recharged Within 10 Minutes:
   • If a user recharges their FASTag within 10 minutes of it being read at the toll, they can claim a refund of the penalty and pay only the standard toll fee.

Preparing for the Change

While these new rules may cause initial inconvenience, experts believe they will enhance the efficiency and security of toll payments. Commuters are advised to maintain sufficient FASTag balances and check their account status before starting their journey to avoid penalties.

With the implementation date set for February 17, 2025, travelers must stay informed and proactive to ensure smooth passage through toll plazas.

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