A FASTag is a small tag based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It is attached to your car’s windshield and lets you pay tolls automatically from your FASTag account. As of February 15, 2021, FASTags are mandatory for all four-wheelers in India, including private and commercial vehicles.
However, there have been some cases when a FASTag gets blacklisted. Here the term “blacklisted” means that the issuing bank or NBFC has temporarily or permanently blocked the tag. Usually, this happens when there is insufficient balance in your linked wallet or there is a violation of toll rules.
Are you also facing a similar problem? In this article, let’s check out the reasons for blacklisting, ways to check if your FASTag is blacklisted, and learn how to remove FASTag from the blacklist.
How does blacklisting impact you
If your FASTag is blacklisted, your toll payments will not be processed from your FASTag account. You will find yourself stuck at toll plazas, unable to use the automatic payment system.
Consequently, the toll operator will stop your vehicle and you must pay the toll amount manually. In such cases, you have to pay double the toll amount.
Why is your FASTag blacklisted
A FASTag can be blacklisted for various reasons. Let’s have a look at some common possible causes:
1. Law enforcement issues
If law enforcement agencies find any violations related to your vehicle, they can blacklist your FASTag. For example, say you own a private vehicle, but are using the FASTag of a commercial vehicle.
2. Not sticking the FASTag properly
Your FASTag must be properly pasted on your car’s windshield (preferably near the rearview mirror). If you keep it in your hand or place it elsewhere, it won’t work as intended and will lead to blacklisting.
Hence, you must install it properly to get it easily scanned. In case, you need cleaning cloth, adhesives, or other similar materials, visit online marketplaces or offline stores.
3. Low wallet balance
If your FASTag wallet doesn’t have enough money to cover toll charges, the tag may be blocked. Even if you’re not driving often, keep your wallet recharged to avoid issues.
4. Vehicle class mismatch
FASTags are issued based on your vehicle’s specifications, like:
- Weight
- Number of axles
- Chassis number
These details are taken from your car’s registration certificate (RC). If this information doesn’t match the toll system’s records, the tag may be blacklisted.
5. Incomplete or expired KYC
Your Know Your Customer (KYC) details must be updated and valid. If your KYC is incomplete or outdated, your FASTag might be blocked until you update it.
6. Misusing the FASTag
FASTags are meant for a specific vehicle and should not be transferred between vehicles. When you use one FASTag on multiple vehicles, it results in misusing the FASTag. Consequently, it will get blacklisted by the transport authorities.
How to check if your FASTag is blacklisted
If you want to check whether your FASTag is blacklisted or active, you can easily do this online. Simply follow these steps:
- Go to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) website at www.npci.org.in.
- On the homepage, find the “What we do” drop-down menu and click on it.
- From the options that appear, select “NETC FASTag.”
- In the FASTag section, look for the option labelled “Check Your NETC FASTag Status” and click it.
- Enter your vehicle registration number or FASTag ID in the required field.
- Click the “Check Status” button.
Now, the system will display the status of your FASTag. It will tell you know whether your tag is active, inactive, or blacklisted.
How to remove FASTag from the blacklist
If your FASTag is blacklisted, you need to take some specific actions to resolve the issue and reactivate it. Let’s check them out:
1. Check your FASTag wallet balance
Insufficient balance is the most common reason for blacklisting. To resolve this issue, you can log in to your FASTag account and top it up.
2. Resolve disputes
If the FASTag was blocked due to disputes over toll charges, you should contact the customer service team of your FASTag provider. Explain the issue clearly and work with them to resolve it.
3. Update KYC Details
Make sure your Know Your Customer (KYC) information is complete and current. If your KYC has expired or is incomplete, it can cause your FASTag to be blocked. Update your details to fix this.
4. Check vehicle details
Verify that the vehicle registration number linked to your FASTag is correct. In case the information is incorrect or outdated, update these details with your service provider.
Conclusion
When you have a blacklisted FASTag, your toll payments will not be automatically deducted from your FASTag account. This will cause travel delays and even cost you extra as you must pay double the toll amount.
Usually, such a blacklisting happens due to various reasons:
- Low wallet balance
- Violation of traffic rules
- Expired KYC
- Mismatched vehicle details
Ideally, you should keep checking your FASTag status online to stay informed. By maintaining it properly, you can keep making toll payments without halting.
