How to Activate FASTag: A Step-by-Step Guide for Hassle-free Toll Payments

FASTag was introduced in 2014 to streamline the toll collection process on highways and has now become mandatory. Its primary objective is to enable cashless toll transactions, reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas. Apart from making the toll payments convenient, it also acts as a financial tool that records all toll payments and FASTag recharges. Now that FASTag has become an integral part of commuters’ daily lives, learning how to activate FASTag is essential.

The FASTag activation process is simple and can be completed online. This blog helps in understanding the steps for activating a FASTag.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a magnetic sticker that you must affix on your four-wheeler’s front windscreen. When your vehicle reaches a toll plaza, the scanner automatically scans the FASTag affixed on your windscreen and deducts the toll charges from the FASTag balance or your linked account. It is an innovative technology that significantly reduces long queues and waiting times at toll plazas by limiting cash payments.

Steps to Activate FASTag

1. FASTag Self Activation

Purchase a FASTag from a POS terminal or an e-commerce platform, stick the tag on your four-wheeler’s front windscreen and link it with your preferred payment method. You can purchase FASTag through ICICI Bank iMobile Pay app. Follow these steps to activate FASTag online:

● Download and log in to the app.

● Enter the 4-digit PIN received on your mobile number.

● Select the 'Shop' tab on the home screen.

● Select the ‘FASTag’ icon.

● Enter your vehicle’s registration number.

● Select your vehicle’s make and model.

● Agree to the Terms and Conditions.

● Enter a valid e-mail ID and delivery address.

● Select the account for debiting the amount.

● Tap on proceed.

Once you link the FASTag with your wallet or bank account, it is automatically activated. When you cross a toll plaza, the toll fee is automatically deducted from your preferred payment mode.

2. FASTag Activation at a Certified Bank

Another way to activate a FASTag is to visit a certified bank branch and inform a representative that you want to link a FASTag to your bank account. You must submit your vehicle's Registration Certificate, KYC documents and other details to the bank to activate your FASTag.

Since not all banks support FASTag activation facilities, contact your bank’s customer support to enquire about the service. At ICICI Bank, you may recharge your FASTag through cheque or Net Banking, NEFT, UPI, RTGS, Credit Card or Debit Card.

Reasons to have a FASTag

You must buy and learn how to activate FASTag for the following reasons:

● Faster Transactions: Toll plazas have dedicated FASTag lanes, so your vehicle can pass through them quickly without paying in cash and waiting for change. The digital toll collection system reduces congestion and speeds up payments.

● Convenience: FASTag enables hassle-free passage for vehicles through toll plazas without stopping for cash payments. It saves time and effort to ensure a seamless driving experience.

● Cashless Toll Payments: FASTag eliminates the need for cash payments at toll plazas. You can link your FASTag to your bank account or prepaid wallet and get the toll fee automatically deducted from the balance. So, there is no need to pay in cash and worry about change when crossing toll plazas.

● Online Account Management and Recharge: Once activated, FASTag customers can conveniently manage and recharge their accounts online through multiple payment options including mobile wallets, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, UPI etc. Moreover, they can check balance and track transaction history through a mobile app or online portal.

● Environmentally Friendly: With smoother traffic flow and reduced waiting times, your vehicle produces fewer emissions and consumes less fuel. It eventually reduces pollution.

● Auto Recharge: Some online portals of banks, like ICICI Bank, allow you to activate the Auto Recharge option through UPI mandate. If you are a frequent traveller, you may set a date to automatically recharge the FASTag with a particular amount, so that you never run out of FASTag balance.

● Nationwide Acceptance: Thanks to its nationwide implementation, FASTag is accepted at all toll plazas on all national and some state highways and select city roads. So, you can have a seamless travel experience irrespective of your location within India.

● Long Validity: FASTag has a long validity of 5 years, after which you must renew the account. Long validity makes FASTag a convenient option to manage.

● For Toll Operators: The FASTag system has reduced the operating costs and manual work for toll operators. Moreover, it improves audit control without any risk of manipulation. Quicker vehicle movement on highways improves the network's capacity without additional infrastructure.

● For the Government: Electronic toll payments improve transparency at toll plazas without any scope of corruption.

In conclusion, FASTag has revolutionised toll payments by making transactions faster, more convenient and cashless, significantly reducing congestion at toll plazas. Its easy activation process and numerous benefits like online account management, nationwide acceptance and environmental friendliness, make it an essential tool for every commuter.

FAQs

● Is a FASTag mandatory in India?

FASTag has become mandatory in India since 2021.

● What if I don’t have a FASTag on my vehicle?

Vehicle owners without FASTag have to pay double the regular toll charges.

● Can I use my bank account to recharge my FASTag?

You can link your bank account to your FASTag and recharge directly.

● Can I opt for Auto Recharge so I don’t need to remember to recharge my FASTag every time?

If you are a frequent traveller, you can activate the Auto Recharge option through the UPI mandate. Select the date and amount for auto recharge and you no longer need to remember to recharge the FASTag.

● What is a FASTag monthly pass?

The FASTag monthly pass is a prepaid toll payment system designed for frequent highway travellers, allowing them to pay tolls electronically without stopping at toll plazas. This facility is offered by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other toll operators across the country.