NHAI Cracks Down on 'Loose FASTags' to Streamline Toll Operations

To improve tolling efficiency and curb misuse, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has streamlined its policy to immediately report and blacklist 'loose FASTags', commonly referred to as "tag-in-hand". This move aims to ensure smoother toll collection operations and prepare for upcoming initiatives such as the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling.

Some vehicle owners intentionally avoid affixing FASTags on windshields, which disrupts Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) operations. These loose FASTags contribute to lane congestion, false chargebacks, misuse in closed-loop toll systems, and overall delays at toll plazas, affecting the convenience of other National Highway users.

To tackle this issue, NHAI has set up a dedicated email ID for reporting such violations and directed Toll Collection Agencies and Concessionaires to act promptly. Upon receiving reports, NHAI will take immediate action to blacklist or hotlist the concerned FASTags.

With a FASTag penetration rate exceeding 98%, India’s ETC system has seen a major transformation. However, misuse through 'tag-in-hand' practices poses a threat to its effectiveness. This policy update is expected to enhance tolling reliability, reduce congestion, and ensure seamless travel for highway users.