What is FASTag scanner and how does it work?
3 min read
Apr 22, 2024
A FASTag scanner is a device that is crucial in automating the payment of toll charges. Thanks to FASTag scanners, you don't have to wait in long lines at toll plazas. These scanners save travel time and do away with the hassle of paying cash while driving on national highways.
What is a FASTag scanner?
A FASTag scanner is a device installed at toll plazas across India. It is similar to the barcode reader that reads the barcode on product packages. When your car passes by the scanner, it detects the FASTag sticker pasted on the windshield. It reads the information on your FASTag sticker to collect a particular amount directly from your bank account. This process happens so quickly that the vehicle doesn't have to stop while passing through the toll plaza.
If you are wondering: “How does a FASTag scanner work,” read on to understand the procedure involved when your FASTag-enabled car passes through a toll plaza.
Understanding how a FASTag scanner works
Once you understand what is a FASTag scanner, you can easily understand how it works to facilitate automatic toll collection.
RFID technology
FASTag scanners use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. RFID is a wireless system that uses radio frequencies to transfer data. The stickers pasted on the cars are RFID-enabled so that these scanners can read the information stored on them. The scanner sends a signal to deduct the toll fare automatically from the digital wallet linked to the code.
Toll plaza infrastructure
Toll plazas across India are equipped with FASTag scanners. The scanners are installed above the roadway so that the stickers can be scanned without stopping the vehicles. The car sticker comes into the range of the scanner as the car passes by. The scanner captures information like tag ID and vehicle class.
Issuer bank
The toll plaza system sends the details of the transaction to the acquiring system. The acquiring system validates the transaction and sends the details to the NETC Switch. The transaction is then sent to the issuer bank. As per the instructions, the bank deducts the toll fare from the linked bank account.
As a car owner, you must ensure that your car has a valid FASTag sticker on the windshield. You can buy a FASTag sticker online or offline through Axis Bank. If you apply online, it will be delivered to your doorstep. Otherwise, you can go to any Axis Bank branch near you and buy it.
What happens if the scanner doesn’t work?
If the scanner at a toll plaza is not working, it is considered an infrastructure failure. Even if you paste the correct sticker on your car, the scanner might fail to detect it, and the toll charges will not be deducted. In such cases, you can pass through the toll without paying any charges.
If you come across such a toll plaza, you can register a complaint by calling the toll-free number - 1033.
Also Read: A guide to FASTag and how it works
Conclusion
FASTag scanners are important at tolls because they help do away with the physical stopping of vehicles, collecting cash payments and issuing receipts. The data about FASTag scanners online reveals that 1,228 toll plazas across India (as of 2023) are now FASTag enabled. This technology has increased the efficiency of toll plazas and improved the user experience.
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.
