Has your FASTag account ever been temporarily suspended, preventing you from making electronic toll payments at plazas? This is what FASTag blacklisting means. FASTag is a tag attached to your car’s windshield, enabling electronic payments at toll plazas across Indian highways. It works on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and you can pay for tolls using digital wallets linked to the tag. In India, it is mandatory for every vehicle — private or commercial — to have FASTag. This rule has been mandated since February 15, 2021. However, your FASTag could be blacklisted because of several reasons.
Know what FASTag backlisting means
FASTag blacklisting means your issuing agency may have temporarily suspended your account. Several banks are issuing agencies for the FASTag. For instance, Axis Bank can help you with the entire process, from applying for a FASTag, getting it delivered to your address, monitoring and having the toll fee automatically deducted from your account.
If the blacklisting issue remains unresolved, you will not be able to use a FASTag for automatic payments at toll plazas. Understanding the implications and taking appropriate actions can help restore the functionality of the tag.
Reasons for a blacklisted FASTag
1. Insufficient balance
This is the most common reason for blacklisting. If your FASTag account doesn't have enough funds to cover the toll charges, it will be blacklisted to prevent failed transactions. Always make sure your FASTtag has the minimum balance to avoid blacklisting. Failing to maintain the balance can also attract penalties in the form of double toll charges.
2. Fraudulent activities
Suspicious activity in your FASTag account, such as unusual transactions or an attempt to use the same FASTag on a different vehicle, can trigger a blacklist for security reasons. Keep your account secure and promptly report any unauthorised activity to prevent blacklisting.
3. Penalties for non-payment of violations
Outstanding toll violation penalties associated with your vehicle can lead to FASTag blacklisting. You can avoid this by promptly responding to violation notices and clearing exceptional dues, if any. It's best to link the tag to your account / e-wallet.
4. Law enforcement agency's blacklisting
Law enforcement agencies can tell your tag issuer to blacklist your FASTag if your vehicle is registered under violations, such as using a private FASTag on a commercial vehicle. You will need to find the agency and the reason why it’s blocking your tag.
What if the FASTag is blacklisted even with balance?
If your FASTag shows sufficient balance but is still blacklisted, it could be due to reasons beyond low funds. In such cases, the blacklist might be initiated by a law enforcement agency. You will need to contact your FASTag issuer and the relevant law enforcement agency to determine the cause and resolve the issue.
How to check if a FASTag is blacklisted?
Most FASTag issuers offer online portals where you can check your account status by logging in with your credentials. You just need to enter your FASTag ID or vehicle registration number.
You can also contact your FASTag issuer's customer care. They can verify your account status and provide the reason for blacklisting, if applicable.
Procedure to activate a blacklisted FASTag
Also Read: How to check FASTag balance? - 5 simple ways
Conclusion
The digital and wireless technology behind FASTag has made travelling smooth and hassle-free for drivers. Ensure you stay away from the blacklisted list and always keep your FASTag account recharged.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.
