New Fastag Rules in India Effective February 17, 2025: What Are The Key Changes?

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced new FASTag balance validation rules to streamline toll transactions and prevent fraud. These rules will take effect from February 17, 2025.

Key Changes

• Time-Based Validation: Fastag transactions will now be validated based on a specific time window relative to when the tag is read at a toll plaza.   
• 60-Minute Rule: If a Fastag has been blacklisted, placed on a hotlist, or marked as low balance for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll booth, the transaction will be declined.
• 10-Minute Rule: If the tag remains blacklisted or in an inactive state within 10 minutes after being scanned, the transaction will also be rejected.
• Error Code 176: If a Fastag meets both of these conditions, the system will decline the transaction with error code 176, and the vehicle will be charged twice the toll fee as a penalty.

Impact on FASTag Users

These new rules may impact users who:

• Have insufficient balance in their Fastag accounts.
• Have pending Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
• Have discrepancies in vehicle registration details.

What You Should Do

To ensure seamless transactions and avoid penalties, Fastag users should:

• Maintain sufficient balance in their accounts well before reaching toll plazas.
• Regularly update their KYC details to prevent blacklisting.
• Check their Fastag status before starting long journeys.