Attention Highway Travelers: Your FASTag Could Be Blacklisted; NHAI Tightens Rules
FASTag NHAI Rule: The NHAI has made it clear that failure to comply with the rules may result in the imposition of a fine, and your FASTag could even be blacklisted.
FASTag New Rule: If you are among those who frequently travel on highways, this news is for you. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has tightened the regulations regarding the placement of FASTags on vehicle windshields.
For a smooth and hassle-free journey, ensure your FASTag is pasted on vehicle's windscreen firmly.
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) April 28, 2026
Holding the FASTag instead of pasting it can lead to blacklisting.#NHAI pic.twitter.com/JdDq4DOJaQ
According to the National Highways Authority of India, it is now mandatory to affix the FASTag correctly to the windshield. If your FASTag is not properly affixed to the windshield—and you attempt to pass through a toll plaza while holding it in your hand or placing it on the dashboard—you will not only be required to pay double the toll amount, but your FASTag could also be blacklisted.
Why is it mandatory to affix the FASTag to the windshield?
Affixing the FASTag to the windshield ensures seamless scanning at toll plazas, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays often caused by tags being held manually. This helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic and reduces congestion.
The objective behind this move is to curb toll evasion and to prepare for the upcoming automated toll collection systems. It is often observed that individuals use a single FASTag across multiple vehicles. Furthermore, in the case of heavy vehicles like trucks, a FASTag intended for a smaller vehicle is sometimes held manually to be scanned. This results in a lower toll deduction for the larger vehicle, leading to a loss of revenue for the government.
The government is also actively preparing for a new toll collection system that will feature neither physical barriers nor gates. Under this technology, vehicles will be able to pass through the highway at full speed without stopping. In such a scenario, having the FASTag affixed to the windshield will ensure that it is automatically and effortlessly scanned.
If the FASTag is not affixed to the windshield, the system will fail to function. Additionally, using a FASTag while holding it manually often leads to erroneous transactions. Quite often, funds are debited twice for a single transaction. Subsequently, customers request a refund for such instances, which leads to an escalation of disputes and operational issues.
Key Highlights of the New NHAI Regulations
Immediate action will be taken against the use of ‘Tag-in-Hand’ or ‘Loose Tags’ at toll plazas. Toll operators are required to report such instances immediately.
If the FASTag is not affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, the digital payment will be deemed invalid, and you will be required to pay a higher toll amount via cash or other alternative methods.
In the event of a violation of these regulations, your FASTag will be blocked or blacklisted by the issuing bank, rendering it non-functional at any toll plaza thereafter.
