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FASTag Blacklisted: Why Does It Happen? How to Activate It?

Published on 28 Mar, 2022, 9:22 AM IST
Updated on 2 Dec, 2024, 12:27 PM IST
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The FASTag is a digital sticker that can be placed on car windshields for automatic highway toll payments. It uses RFID technology to deduct fees from the linked bank account. The government has made FASTag compulsory for all four-wheelers from February 15, 2021.

In some cases, the bank may block the FASTag. A blocked FASTag cannot be used to pay tolls digitally and is temporarily deactivated. This usually happens if the linked bank account needs more balance for toll charges or vehicle ownership issues.

If your FASTag is blacklisted, don't worry. You can activate it again by following some simple steps. This article explains how to reactive a blacklisted FASTag account or sticker.

FASTag

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How Does a FASTag Work?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that enables automatic payments at toll plazas, streamlining vehicle passage and reducing wait times. The system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which allows the FASTag, a sticker affixed to the vehicle's windshield, to communicate with the toll plaza's electronic gantry as the vehicle approaches. When a vehicle passes through a designated FASTag lane, an RFID reader detects the FASTag, identifying the vehicle and automatically deducting the toll amount from the linked prepaid account.

To use FASTag, vehicle owners must first obtain a tag from a bank or authorised provider and link it to a payment method, such as a bank account or digital wallet. This initial setup involves registering the vehicle details, such as the registration number and type of vehicle. Once activated, the FASTag balance can be replenished through various methods, including online banking, mobile apps, or authorised retail outlets.

When the vehicle approaches a toll plaza, the FASTag is scanned, and the toll amount is deducted in real-time. This process eliminates the need for cash transactions, reducing congestion and improving the overall efficiency of toll collection. Additionally, FASTag provides users with SMS alerts for transactions, allowing them to monitor their account balance and activity easily.

FASTag Blacklisting: What Does it Mean?

FASTag blacklist means that you will not be able to make digital toll payments at toll plazas. If blocked, the tag attached to your car’s windshield will no longer work, and the automatic payments will not happen through the linked digital wallet. Blacklisting is equal to disabling the FASTag. The only difference is that only the tag issuer or any other law enforcement agency can block the tag.

A FASTag blacklisting could be due to several reasons, which we will discuss in the following sections. Once blocked, your FASTag is as good as no tag on your car. Hence, you should never leave the tag blacklisted, as it may cause inconvenience, and you have to pay double the toll charges when you cross toll plazas on the highways.

What are the Reasons Behind Your FASTag Getting Blacklisted?

There are mainly two reasons for the blacklisting of FASTag, which we will elaborate on in this section.

What are the Reasons Behind Your FASTag Getting Blacklisted?

There are mainly two reasons for the blacklisting of FASTag, which we will elaborate on in this section.

1. Insufficient Balance

One of the most common reasons for the blacklisting of FASTag is not maintaining the required minimum balance in FASTag. Your tag issuer will block the tag if you fail to recharge the digital wallet within the stipulated time. 

Hence, always ensure the tag account has at least the minimum balance in FASTag, even if you are not driving your car. Failing to maintain the required balance in your FASTag wallet will also lead to inconvenience and can also attract penalties in the form of double the toll charges when you pay through cash.

Also, read How to Check FASTag Balance: Step-by-Step Procedure

2. Blacklisted by a Law Enforcement Agency

Law enforcement agencies can also blacklist your FASTag if any violations or offences are registered against your vehicle. For instance, buying a tag for your private vehicle and using it on a commercial vehicle violates the law. In such cases, the law enforcement agency may ask your tag issuer to add your tag ID to the blacklist. To find out the exact reason for the blacklist, you may have to find out which law enforcement agency is blocking the tag and for what reason.

3. Suspicious Account Activity

Banks and agencies continuously monitor FASTag accounts for fraudulent transactions. If unauthorised or suspicious activities are noticed, they may temporarily block the connected FASTag. Account holders should regularly check transaction alerts and report any suspicious activity promptly to prevent disruption of services.

What is a Hotlisted FASTag: Hotlisted FASTag Meaning

A "hotlisted" FASTag refers to a FASTag account that has been temporarily blocked or deactivated, preventing it from functioning at toll plazas. This can happen for several reasons, often related to account balance issues, misuse, or regulatory concerns. For example, a FASTag is commonly hotlisted when the linked account has an insufficient balance or if there are discrepancies in payments or recharges. Sometimes, tags are hotlisted if the vehicle linked to the FASTag is reported lost or stolen, as this helps prevent unauthorised usage. Additionally, if the FASTag is used in a way that violates terms of service, such as being transferred to an unregistered vehicle, it might also be temporarily blocked.

When a FASTag is hotlisted, the tagholder cannot use it to pass through FASTag-enabled toll booths until the issue is resolved. To reactivate a hotlisted FASTag, the user must typically address the cause, such as replenishing the balance or updating account information. Once the issue is corrected, most providers allow users to reactivate the FASTag by contacting customer support or through the provider's online portal. Managing FASTag accounts diligently can help avoid hotlisting and ensure smooth travel through toll plazas.

How to Remove a Hotlisted FASTag?

To remove a hotlisted FASTag, users need to address the underlying reason for the block and follow specific steps depending on their service provider. First, confirm why the FASTag was hotlisted, often due to insufficient balance, a vehicle report as lost or stolen, or account misuse. Checking the account balance is a good start, as low or negative balances can lead to automatic hotlisting. Replenish the balance if it is low, as it may automatically lift some service providers' restrictions.

Once the balance is adequate, or if the issue is unrelated to the balance, contact the FASTag provider's customer service team for assistance. Most providers have customer support through helplines, email, or mobile apps, where users can request to remove the hotlist status. Providers may also ask for identity verification or other documentation to ensure proper usage. For issues beyond balance, such as a lost vehicle report, you may need to update account information or report your vehicle’s current status.

After following these steps, wait for confirmation that the FASTag has been reactivated, which may take a few hours to a day, depending on the provider, and that is how to remove the hotlist FASTag. 

What if the FASTag is Blacklisted Even With Balance?

Suppose you maintain sufficient balance in the FASTtag wallet. It still shows as blacklisted FASTAG even with balance at the toll plaza; it may be due to blockage by law enforcement agencies due to a rule violation or offence. In such a scenario, you can contact your tag issuer (bank) and find out the reason behind the blacklist. Your FASTag issuer will provide you with the exact reason behind the blocking.

Once you know the reason behind why it shows FASTag blacklisted even with balance, you can take further steps to unblock the tag. Ensure that you unblock the tag before driving your car on the highway, as it could be a hassle if the tag doesn’t work when you are about to cross the toll plaza. Moreover, you have to pay double the toll charges if you pay in cash. So, ensure the FASTag is active and balanced before planning your highway drive.

How to Check if a FASTag is Blacklisted?

One of the easiest ways to check the status of your FASTag, if it is considered to be a blacklisted FASTag,  is by visiting the official FASTag portal. Below are the steps to check your tag status.

  • Step 1: Visit the website https://www.npci.org.in/.
     
  • Step 2: Click on the “What we do” drop-down menu.
     
  • Step 3: Hover/click on the “NETC Fastag” option from the drop-down menu.
     
  • Step 4: Click “Check Your NETC FASTag Status.”.
     
  • Step 5: Enter your vehicle registration number or FASTag ID, fill in the captcha code, and click on the “Check Status” button.
     
  • Step 6: The page will display the tag status and mentionmentions whether your tag is active/inactive or blocked.

Another method to check the FASTag blacklist status is by visiting your tag issuer bank’s FASTag portal. Log in to the portal and check the status of your FASTag. The process may differ from one issuer to the other. If you are not comfortable checking on the portal, you can call the tag issuer’s customer care and check the status.

Also, read: How to find FASTag customer ID using vehicle number?

How to Remove Blacklisted Vehicles?

To remove a vehicle from a blacklist, it’s essential to address the specific reason it was blacklisted, as this can vary widely. Blacklisting typically occurs due to violations like unpaid fines, expired documents, criminal records, or other legal issues. Start by identifying the reason, often found in an official notification from transport authorities or law enforcement. For example, a common cause for blacklisting is outstanding fines related to traffic violations, which must be paid before any further steps.

Once you know the reason, take corrective actions as required. This may involve settling all fines, updating vehicle documents, or resolving legal matters. For instance, if the blacklist is due to expired insurance or registration, renew these documents and keep receipts or updated records ready for verification. After resolving the issues, contact the relevant transport or law enforcement authority, such as the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or traffic department, to initiate the removal process.

Typically, authorities will require proof of resolution, such as payment receipts or updated documents. Depending on the specific case and local regulations, the process may take several days to weeks. After confirmation, ensure your records are clear to avoid future blacklisting.

How to Check FASTag Recharge by Vehicle Number

Depending on your issuing bank or service provider, you can use several methods to check your FASTag recharge balance. One of the easiest ways is through a mobile app of your FASTag provider, such as the Airtel Thanks app, Paytm, or the app provided by your bank. After logging in, navigate to the FASTag section to view your current FASTag recharge balance check, recent transactions, and recharge history. This lets you track your account balance and confirm whether a recent recharge has been processed successfully.

Alternatively, you can also check the FASTag status balance via SMS. Most providers send automated SMS alerts to your registered mobile number with transaction updates, including deductions at toll plazas and recharge confirmations. If you don’t receive SMS alerts, contact customer support to ensure your mobile number is correctly registered with the FASTag account.

Another option is to log into your FASTag account through the issuing bank portal or service provider. After logging in, you’ll see the current balance and recent transactions. This information is updated in real-time, helping you monitor your account and ensure enough balance for toll payments during travel.

What is an Exempted FASTag

An “exempted FASTag” refers to a FASTag issued for vehicles legally exempt from paying toll charges on national highways, per government rules. Vehicles such as those used by the President of India, government ambulances, military and police vehicles, and vehicles carrying senior officials on duty are often included in this category. Exempted FASTags are issued to facilitate smooth, automatic entry through FASTag lanes at toll plazas, even though they do not deduct any toll amount. This ensures that exempted vehicles can pass through without delays or manual verification.

To obtain an exempted FASTag, the vehicle owner or authorised representative must apply through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or other designated issuing authorities. They must provide valid identification and proof that the vehicle qualifies for toll exemption. Once issued, the exempted FASTag functions like a regular FASTag but without any deduction when the car passes a toll plaza.

This system reduces congestion and enables a smoother process for exempt vehicles, which would otherwise require manual toll exemptions. It also helps toll operators identify and manage exempted cars more efficiently, making toll plaza operations more seamless.

Why FASTag is Necessary for Vehicle Insurance?

The Indian government has made FASTag mandatory for all vehicles to make highway travel safer and reduce accidents. Therefore, your vehicle's FASTag details must be linked to the insurance policy.

When you buy a new third-party insurance policy for your car or any four-wheeler, you must provide the vehicle's FASTag ID and related information. Insurance companies will capture this data as part of the policy. You cannot get new insurance coverage without submitting FASTag details.

So, before applying for new vehicle insurance, ensure your car has a valid FASTag. Linking FASTag with insurance is now a legal requirement to improve compliance and traffic management.

How to Recharge a FASTag Using a Vehicle Number

To recharge a FASTag using your vehicle number, you can use various digital payment platforms or bank portals that offer this service. First, open a trusted app or website that supports FASTag recharges, such as Paytm, Google Pay, or your FASTag issuing bank’s portal. Navigate to the FASTag recharge option and select the issuing bank if prompted. Instead of entering a customer ID or wallet number, choose the option to recharge using the vehicle number. Input your vehicle registration number carefully, ensuring the recharge applies directly to the correct FASTag account.

After entering the vehicle number, specify the recharge amount you wish to add and proceed to payment. The platforms usually offer multiple payment methods, including UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. Complete the transaction using your preferred method, and upon successful payment, the recharge will be instantly reflected in your FASTag account balance. Most platforms will also send a confirmation message to your registered mobile number detailing the updated balance.

Recharging with the vehicle number is a convenient alternative if you don’t have the FASTag ID or account details readily available, and it allows for hassle-free travel through toll plazas.

FASTag Blacklisted Solution: How to Activate a Blacklisted FASTag?

So, now you know how to check the status of your FASTag. The next question on your mind would be how to remove FASTag from the blacklist. To activate a blocked FASTag, you need to recharge the wallet linked to the tag. You can recharge the FASTag by visiting your tag issuer's portal, My FASTag app, other payment aggregators, or at the toll plaza. 

If you purchased your FASTag through ACKO Drive, you can visit the ACKO Drive website or app and log in to your account to recharge the wallet.

Once you recharge the wallet, the FASTag will become active. You can check the tag's status by following the methods mentioned in the above section.

If the FASTag is still blocked post-recharge, you can call the customer care of the tag issuer and check the reason behind blacklisting. If the tag status still shows as blacklisted after account recharge, it may be due to some violation or offence; you can take necessary action to unblock the FASTag.

Conclusion

Getting your FASTag blocked due to insufficient balance, violations, or suspicious transactions can lead to significant headaches at toll plazas in the form of denied payments and penalties. It is critical for drivers to proactively maintain a minimum balance in a FASTag, follow vehicle registration guidelines, monitor account activity, and address issues swiftly. If your tag is blocked, immediately contact your bank to understand the reasons for the reactivation process, which may involve recharging your wallet, correcting compliance issues, or awaiting security clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to FASTag Blacklisted

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What is the minimum balance in FASTag in FASTAG I should maintain to avoid FASTag blacklisting?

Maintaining at least a minimum balance in FASTag of Rs is better. 100 in your tag account to avoid blacklisting. However, NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) has removed the minimum balance in FASTag requirement for the FASTag wallet. But to prevent blocking, it is better to maintain at least Rs. 100 as a minimum balance in FASTag.

What happens if my FASTag balance is negative?

If your tag balance becomes negative after crossing a toll plaza, the issuer bank can recover the amount via the security deposit. The bank can recover the security deposit when you recharge the FASTag.

How do I activate and remove my FASTag from the blacklist?

Yes. You can activate the blocked FASTag by recharging the tag wallet. If the tag blacklist is for any other reason, you can contact the tag issuer to determine the reason behind the tag blockage and take necessary action.

Is my FASTag blocked?

Yes. You can check FASTag status online by visiting the official FASTag portal or the issuer bank’s FASTag portal. You can also call the issuer bank’s customer care to check if your tag is blocked.

How to I check fastag balance online?

You can check the ACKO Drive FASTag through the ACKO Drive website/app. Alternatively, you can visit the tag issuer bank’s (IDFC First Bank) FASTag portal to recharge the wallet online.

Will a blacklisted FASTag work if I cross a toll plaza?

No. A blocked FASTag will not work when you cross a toll plaza. The scanner will scan the tag, but it cannot deduct any amount from the digital wallet since the tag is blocked for transactions.

Can I transfer the balance from a blacklisted FASTag to a new one?

Generally, you cannot transfer the balance from a blacklisted FASTag to a new one. You'll need to resolve the issue with the blacklisted tag first. Once resolved if you still want to switch to a new tag, contact your issuer bank for their specific policies on balance transfer

How often should I check FASTag status to avoid unexpected blacklisting?

Yes, many FASTag issuers offer an auto-recharge facility. You can set a minimum balance in the FASTag threshold in FASTag. When your balance falls below this, the system automatically recharges your FASTag from your linked bank account or credit card. This helps prevent blacklisting due to insufficient balance.

What should I do if my FASTag is blacklisted due to a technical error?

If you believe your FASTag has been blacklisted due to a technical error, immediately contact your issuer bank's customer support. Provide them with all relevant details and any evidence of the error. They should be able to investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

Can a FASTag be permanently blacklisted, and if so, under what circumstances?

Yes, a FASTag can be permanently blacklisted in cases of severe violations or fraudulent activities. This might include using a stolen vehicle, repeatedly using a tag registered for a different vehicle category or involvement in financial fraud related to the FASTag account. In such cases, you may need to apply for a new FASTag after resolving the underlying issues.

Are there any alternatives to using a FASTag if mine is temporarily blacklisted?

While FASTag is mandatory, if yours is temporarily blacklisted, you can still use toll roads by paying cash. However, you'll likely be charged double the normal toll fee. Some toll plazas may also accept other forms of digital payments. It's always best to resolve the blacklisting issue as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience and extra charges.

How does FASTag blacklisting affect my vehicle's insurance coverage?

FASTag blacklisting doesn't directly affect your vehicle's insurance coverage. However, since FASTag details are now linked to insurance policies, a blacklisted tag might cause issues when renewing your insurance or making claims. Keeping your FASTag active and in good standing is advisable to avoid any potential complications with your vehicle insurance.

How long does it typically take for a FASTag to be reactivated after recharging the balance?

Usually, FASTag reactivation is almost instantaneous after recharging the balance. However, sometimes, it may take up to 24 hours for the system to update. Contact your issuer bank's customer support if your FASTag isn't reactivated within a day after recharging.

Can I use my vehicle on toll roads if my FASTag is blacklisted?

You can still use toll roads, but you'll have to pay cash at the toll plaza. However, you may be charged double the average toll fee as a penalty for not using a valid FASTag. It's best to resolve the blacklisting issue before travelling on toll roads.

How can I know my FASTag login details?

You can retrieve your FASTag login details by checking the registration email or SMS from your issuing bank or by contacting their customer support.

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