On 11th July 2025, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) came up with a new rule stating that: “#NHAI has strengthened its policy for Toll Collecting Agencies and Concessionaires to immediately report and blacklist ‘loose FASTags’ for ensuring smooth tolling operations and enhanced reporting of ‘tag-in-hand’ #FASTags”. (Via X)
If any driver now shows the FASTag in their hands (tag-in-hand) at the toll tax, the FASTag will be blacklisted immediately or even hotlisted. With the blacklisted FASTag, the journey will take longer than usual.
With this rule, NHAI wants to make the toll system more honest and faster so that the ride on the highway goes smoothly and is time-saving. The FASTag should be affixed to the windscreen.
The operators have been told to report a loose FASTag so that the actions can be taken immediately. So that they could correct it and does not make these mistakes again.
A reason for NHAI’s turning strict is said to be that it disturbs the automated toll connection system. Which causes delays, wrong charge bags, and traffic jams.
The National Highway Authority of India has recently come up with a major tolling upgrade system, which has
- Annual Pass System: 200 trips or one year of travel by private vehicle on the NHAI-operated (Highways and Expressways), at a one-time fee of 3000 rupees
- Multi-Lane Free-Flow Toll
And the right use and placement of FASTag is very important for these systems. So that the highways could provide a perfect journey.
FASTag has been made to ease the ride and save time. And because of those who use the ‘Loose FASTag’, the payment causes a delay, a traffic jam occurs, and it creates difficulties for those who are properly following the rules and regulations.
The NHAI has taken a step in their favour, allowing them to have a better and time-saving journey.