No More Arbitrary Practices at Toll Plazas: NHAI Takes Action; Banks to Verify FASTag and Vehicle Registration Numbers

NHAI FASTag News: The NHAI has intensified its crackdown on discrepancies regarding Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) linked to FASTags. Tags associated with incorrect numbers may be blacklisted, and penalties could be imposed under the Motor Vehicles Act.

FASTag Rules Update: Measures are now being tightened to make the FASTag system more efficient and transparent. In line with this initiative, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) issued key directives to all banks on Wednesday.

The NHAI has instructed all banks that issue FASTags to immediately verify the Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) linked to their respective tags. Furthermore, directives have been issued to blacklist any FASTags found to be associated with incorrect or invalid VRNs.

NHAI’s Directives to Banks

The NHAI has directed all banks to verify every vehicle registration number against which a FASTag has been issued. Banks must ensure that the specified vehicle registration number remains active and in use. According to the NHAI, this measure will contribute to improving the overall efficiency of the system.

Action to be Taken in Case of Discrepancies

The NHAI has taken this step following complaints revealing that, in numerous instances, the Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) recorded in FASTag readers do not match the numbers displayed on the vehicles’ physical number plates.

According to the Highway Authority, such discrepancies result in a loss of government revenue. Additionally, the NHAI has explicitly stated that, in such cases, punitive action—including the imposition of fines—may be initiated under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Previous Reliance on Manual Systems

In the past, the verification infrastructure was not as advanced, and the majority of operations were conducted using manual methods. The NHAI has stated that, with a view toward the future implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system, special emphasis is now being placed on ensuring greater accuracy in the mapping of FASTags to Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN). This streamlined process will help prevent vehicles from having to wait in long queues at toll plazas.