NHAI's move to enforce this policy is intended to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce inconvenience for highway users. "Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) has been issued to all User Fee Collection Agencies and Concessionaires to charge double user fee in case of non-affixation of FASTag on the front windshield," NHAI said.
As part of the new guidelines, information about the penalty for non-compliance will be prominently displayed at all toll plazas. NHAI emphasized the enforcement of these rules by stating, "the information will also be prominently displayed at all User Fee plazas, informing highway users about the penalties for non-compliance of entering a toll lane without a fixed FASTag on front windshield."
To maintain accurate records, CCTV footage capturing the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) at toll plazas will be recorded for vehicles without affixed FASTags. This footage will ensure proper documentation of the fees charged and the vehicle's presence in the toll lane.
NHAI has reiterated its commitment to upholding the standard procedural guidelines. "In accordance with already established rules, the statement said NHAI aims to enforce the standard procedural guidelines for affixation of FASTag on the front windshield of the assigned vehicle from inside."
Vehicles with improperly affixed FASTags are not permitted to use Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems and will face double toll fees, alongside the possibility of being blacklisted. The statement clarified, "any FASTag that is not affixed on the assigned vehicle as per standard process is not entitled to carry out Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) transaction at a User Fee Plaza and will have to pay double toll fee as well as can be duly blacklisted."
Banks issuing FASTags must ensure the proper fixation of FASTags to vehicles at the point of sale (POS). "Issuer banks have also been directed to ensure fixation of the FASTag to the assigned vehicle on the front windshield at the time of issuance from various Point-of-Sale (POS)," the statement added.
NHAI adheres to the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 to collect toll fees on National Highways. Currently, toll fees are collected on approximately 45,000 km of National Highways and Expressways, with around 1,000 toll plazas operating nationwide.
With around 98 percent penetration and over 8 crore users, FASTag has significantly improved the Electronic Toll Collection system in India. NHAI believes that charging a double user fee for non-affixation of FASTag will enhance the efficiency of toll operations, ensuring seamless and comfortable journeys for National Highway users.
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