NHAI Implements Strict Measures Against Improper FASTag Usage

NHAI's New Initiative

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is set to take stringent actions against highway users who fail to affix their FASTag stickers correctly on their vehicle windshields. The NHAI has intensified its policy regarding loose FASTags, commonly referred to as 'tag-in-hand', aiming to curb toll fraud and reduce congestion at toll plazas.

Ministry's Statement

In an official statement, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) emphasized that these measures will streamline toll collection. The ministry also indicated that new initiatives, such as an annual pass system and multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling, will be introduced soon, making it essential to maintain the integrity of FASTag identification and system reliability.

Reasons Behind the Decision

The government noted that some vehicle owners intentionally do not place their FASTags on the windshield, leading to various issues at toll plazas. This negligence results in increased lane congestion, complaints of incorrect toll deductions, and misuse at closed-system toll plazas, ultimately disrupting the electronic toll collection process and causing unnecessary delays for other highway users.

Reporting Loose FASTags

To facilitate timely action, NHAI has provided a dedicated email address for toll collection agencies and contractors to report loose or improperly affixed FASTags. Upon receiving such reports, NHAI will initiate the process to blacklist or hotlist these FASTags.

Current FASTag Usage

Currently, over 98% of vehicles on national highways are utilizing FASTag for toll payments, significantly improving the toll collection process. However, some users still fail to affix their FASTags correctly or keep them in hand, which affects system efficiency and leads to toll collection issues.

Upcoming Annual Pass Launch

This decision comes ahead of the anticipated launch of the annual pass for FASTag users. In June 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government would introduce a FASTag-based annual pass to ensure affordable and convenient travel across national highways. This pass will be available for ₹3000 and will be valid for one year from the activation date or up to a maximum of 200 trips. The launch is scheduled for Independence Day (August 15) this year.