What is a FASTag scanner and how does it work?

Published on 10 Mar, 2022, 4:28 AM IST

Updated on 9 Jul, 2024, 6:15 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

10 min read

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A FASTag scanner is installed at highway toll booths to enable automatic and cashless toll tax payments. Vehicles now have a FASTag sticker with a code on it. When a vehicle approaches the toll booth, the scanner reads this sticker code and automatically deducts the toll fee from the linked bank account without human intervention. So, there is no longer the need to stand in long queues to pay cash at toll booths, as the FASTag scanner enables vehicles to pass through quickly after automatically paying the toll tax. This cashless and contactless toll collection is enabled by the FASTag scanner.

Below are some of the key things you should know about the FASTag barcode scanner.

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Contents

What is a FASTag scanner?

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has equipped toll plazas with FASTag scanners to enable electronic toll collection. So, you don’t have to use cash to make payments at toll plazas. Instead, you can keep on driving through the toll gate while the FASTag scanner detects the tag on your car to automatically deduct the toll amount.

As your vehicle moves through the toll gate, the FASTag barcode scanner emits a signal to get a reading back from the FASTag on your car’s windshield. Upon successful reading of the tag, the scanner initiates the instant toll amount deduction via a digital wallet linked to your FASTag. However, you must

Types of FASTag Scanners

To ensure efficient and accurate toll collection, various types of FASTag scanners are employed across India's toll plazas. Each type serves a specific purpose in the electronic toll collection ecosystem. Let's explore the main types of FASTag scanners:

1. FASTag RFID Scanner

The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) scanner is the most commonly used type of FASTag scanner. These devices are the backbone of the FASTag system and can be found at most toll plazas nationwide.

Key features:

Uses radio waves to read FASTag information
Scans tags affixed to vehicle windshields
Retrieves electronically stored information without direct contact
Enables quick and contactless toll-collection
Allows for high-speed scanning, reducing traffic congestion at toll booths

2. FASTag QR Code Scanner

While less prevalent than RFID scanners, QR code-based scanning systems play an important role in the FASTag ecosystem.

Key features:

Reads unique QR codes associated with each FASTag
Serves as a useful backup to RFID technology
Often used for auditing and verification purposes
Provides an alternative method for toll collection when needed

3. FASTag Scanner Online

The integration of online systems with FASTag scanning technology has revolutionised toll management and user experience.

Key features:

Connects scanners to centralised systems for real-time data management
Enables instant transaction processing and account balance updates
Provides detailed reports for both users and toll plaza operators
Allows for better monitoring and management of toll-collection processes
Enhances the overall efficiency and transparency of the FASTag system

Each type of FASTag scanner plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth, efficient, and accurate toll collection. Combining these technologies has significantly improved the toll collection process, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall driving experience on India's highways.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continually works on improving and upgrading these scanning technologies to provide better service and address any challenges that may arise in the electronic toll collection system.

How does the FASTag scanner work?

To become eligible for automatic toll payments, you need to buy a FASTag for your car and install it on the car’s windshield. Also, you must keep enough balance in the digital wallet linked to your FASTag for a smooth experience while driving across toll plazas.

Here is how the FASTag barcode scanner works.

The NHAI has installed FASTag scanners at almost every toll booth situated on Indian highways.
The scanners use RFID technology to scan the FASTag on the windscreen of a vehicle passing through the toll gate.
The scanner sends a signal to the FASTag on a vehicle to automatically deduct the required toll payment from the FASTag wallet.
This toll payment system is swift, so one doesn’t have to wait at toll gates. The toll tax is collected while a vehicle passes through the toll booth with a brief moment of stop and go.

What if the FASTag scanner doesn’t work at a toll booth?

Since the Government has made FASTags mandatory for four-wheelers in the country, the payments at toll booths are accepted through this automated system only.

However, in the following situations, a scanner may be unable to deduct the toll payment via FASTag.

Damaged or expired FASTag

A scanner may not be able to read a FASTag if it is damaged or expired. The validity of a FASTag is 5 years after its activation. So, if you don’t renew it on time or it gets damaged, automatic toll payment won’t be possible.

In this condition, you will have to pay double the regular toll amount in cash at toll booths as per the Government guidelines.

Damaged scanner

If a FASTag scanner at a toll booth doesn’t work, then you can cross the toll plaza without paying any money, given that there’s nothing wrong with your FASTag and you have enough balance in the FASTag wallet.

FASTag scanner isn’t working: situations and consequences

In a nutshell, the following two situations are possible if a FASTag scanner isn’t working.

Situation	Consequence
Your FASTag is damaged or expired.	You have to pay double the toll amount in cash.
There’s something wrong with the FASTag scanner at the toll booth.	You can cross the toll plaza without paying the toll amount.

Can you track FASTag with mobile?

You can use a FASTag scanner app to buy FASTag, check balance, recharge, and track your expenditure at toll plazas via mobile. The NHAI has launched two mobile applications called My FASTag and FASTag Partner for such purposes.

My FASTag: This app is available for iOS and Android mobile users. It allows you to buy FASTags and manage FASTag accounts as well. One can track all transactions, recharge FASTags and submit any complaints.
FASTag Partner: NHAI has made this app available for partners who sell FASTags. Issuer banks, vehicle dealers and other agencies can use this app to sell FASTags and enrol users.

ACKO Drive also offers all the FASTag services via its mobile app/website. You can download the ACKO Drive app/visit the website to buy your FASTag instantly. The same app/website lets you check your balance in the wallet and recharge your FASTag.

How FASTag Scanners Improve the Experience for Travellers in India

Implementing FASTag scanners has revolutionised toll collection in India, offering numerous advantages for drivers and toll plaza operators. Let's explore the key benefits of using FASTag scanners:

Reduced Traffic Congestion

FASTag scanners enable quick, contactless toll payments
Vehicles can pass through toll plazas without stopping, significantly reducing queues
Minimises bottlenecks at toll booths, especially during peak travel times

Time Savings

Drivers no longer need to wait in long lines to pay tolls manually
The scanning process takes just seconds, allowing for faster transit through toll plazas
Cumulative time savings can be substantial for frequent highway users

Fuel Efficiency

Less idling at toll booths means reduced fuel consumption
Contributes to lower operating costs for vehicle owners
Helps in reducing overall carbon emissions from vehicles

Improved Accuracy in Toll Collection

Eliminates human error associated with manual toll collection
Ensures correct toll amounts are deducted based on vehicle type
Reduces disputes over toll charges

Enhanced Financial Transparency

All transactions are electronically recorded and can be easily tracked
Users can access their toll payment history and account balance online
Helps in budgeting and expense management for both individual and business users

Convenience for Users

No need to carry cash for toll payments
Automatic recharge options available for seamless transactions
The single tag works across all FASTag-enabled toll plazas nationwide

Operational Efficiency for Toll Authorities

Reduces manpower requirements at toll plazas
Lowers cash handling and associated security risks
Enables better traffic flow management and data collection

Environmental Impact

Reduced vehicle idling leads to lower emissions at toll plazas
Contributes to improved air quality around highway corridors
Supports overall efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of road transportation

National Integration

Standardised system across different states promotes seamless interstate travel
Contributes to the government's vision of a unified, digitalised India

Future-Ready Infrastructure

Lays the groundwork for advanced traffic management systems
Potential for integration with other smart city and transportation initiatives
Adaptable to future technological advancements in toll collection

The adoption of FASTag scanners has significantly improved the overall highway travel experience in India. As the technology continues to evolve and coverage expands, these benefits are expected to grow, making road travel more efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly.

Future of FASTags in India

In the coming years, almost all national highways, expressways and major state roads in India will have dedicated lanes for FASTag toll payments.

FASTags could link to other payment systems, such as national transit cards, prepaid toll wallets, and commuter rewards programs. The data from FASTags can be analysed to understand traffic patterns, plan infrastructure, decide toll fees, and enforce dedicated lanes.

New four-wheelers may come with FASTags linked to the vehicle registration and payment account to increase adoption.

There may be common electronic toll collection standards across India, so FASTags work everywhere. FASTags may get embedded into vehicles to enable automatic toll payments. Toll plazas may use camera systems to recognise vehicle registration numbers and deduct tolls automatically, eliminating the need for cash toll payments.

Conclusion

Introducing FASTag and accompanying scanners at highway toll booths has brought a monumental shift towards cashless and contactless toll tax payments in India. With FASTag stickers installed on vehicles and linked to a digital wallet and RFID-enabled scanners at toll gates, toll tax is automatically deducted without vehicles stopping, saving time and fuel.

The seamless integration with digital wallets and bank accounts has eliminated manual cash handling, reduced traffic jams at toll gates, and enhanced the overall travel experience. As FASTag adoption reaches nearly 100% across national and state highways, electronic toll collection is set to become ubiquitous.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about FASTag.

Are FASTag scanners affected by weather conditions?

FASTag scanners are designed to operate in various weather conditions. However, extreme weather, such as heavy rain or fog, might occasionally affect performance. Most toll plazas have backup systems in place for such situations.

Can I use my FASTag if the scanner at a toll plaza is not working?

If the primary scanner is not working, toll plaza operators usually have handheld scanners as a backup. In rare cases where electronic scanning is impossible, you may need to pay the toll manually. Keep your FASTag properly displayed to avoid any penalties.

Will the scanner still work if my FASTag is slightly damaged?

Minor wear and tear shouldn't affect the scanner's ability to read your FASTag. However, if the tag is significantly damaged or torn, or the chip is visibly affected, it may not function properly. In such cases, you should replace your FASTag.

Can I use my FASTag at toll plazas in all states across India?

Yes, FASTag is a national electronic toll collection system and works at all FASTag-enabled toll plazas across India, regardless of the state or highway authority.

What if I don’t get a FASTag for my car?

As the FASTag system of toll payments are mandatory, you must get a FASTag for your vehicle. In case you don’t buy a FASTag for your vehicle, crossing toll plazas will cost you more than usual.

According to the Government guidelines, four-wheelers with no FASTag need to pay twice the regular toll charges at every toll booth across the national highways in the country.

What are the ways to recharge a FASTag?

There are both online and offline facilities available to recharge a FASTag. You can use cash to recharge at toll plazas. Most toll plazas have booths present with an executive available to top up your FASTag account.

Apart from the offline method, you can also recharge your FASTag online via the My FASTag app using digital payment methods such as net banking, debit/credit card, and UPI.

Can I check my FASTag wallet balance on the My FASTag app?

Yes, you can use the My FASTag app on your mobile phone to check your FASTag wallet balance. Below are the steps you can follow for the FASTag balance check.

Step 1: Download the My FASTag app on your mobile phone.
Step 2: Use your credentials to log in to the app.
Step 3: Select the ‘FASTag balance’ option to check the amount available in your wallet.

Can I activate my FASTag using the My FASTag app?

Yes, you can follow these steps to activate your FASTag via the My FASTag app.

Step 1: Download the application on your mobile phone.
Step 2: Enter details such as your RFID number, vehicle registration number, etc.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Activate’ button to activate your FASTag.

Is it possible to use one FASTag for two cars?

Each FASTag is assigned to a particular registration number. Hence, you can use one FASTag for the same vehicle you registered it for. Thus, one FASTag can’t be used for two cars at once.

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