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-   -   Additional layers of KYC are being added to Fastags (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/street-experiences/283423-additional-layers-kyc-being-added-fastags-2.html)

What the hell is this new drama now? Is govt running out of ideas of making money?:Frustrati

My fastag was last used in April,2024 when I headed out of city and has a balance of 460INR. It completed 5 years the same month. Do I need to buy a new fastag now? Mine is from axis bank and it has been working flawlessly for last 5 years.

When you peel off the fastag, does it come out clean or will it leave some bits on the glass like the parking stickers tend to do?

You will find the answers from PayTM fastag users rl:

It does come off albeit with some solvents and elbow grease.

As per this Financial express piece, you may need to replace it:

https://www.financialexpress.com/bus...-know-3571869/

Article published on Financial Express:

All FASTag users are required to complete their KYC for all FASTags issued between three to five years ago by October 31, 2024. The new NPCI guidelines say, “Starting August 1, the race against time begins for companies offering FASTag services.” It is crucial for FASTag holders to keep their KYC details updated to prevent service disruptions. The deadline to complete this process is October 31.

Besides this, FASTags older than five years have to be replaced.


Linking vehicle information
Starting August 1, all FASTag users are required to link their vehicle’s registration number, chassis number and the owner’s mobile number. For individuals who have recently purchased a vehicle, it is important to update the registration number on the FASTag within 90 days of the purchase.

Photo upload
Users are required to ensure that images of the vehicle are uploaded. These images will include the vehicle’s front and side and a clear image of FASTag pasted on it.

Linking mobile number
Every FASTag is required to be linked to the owner’s number. This will help have a clear and better communication between FASTag providers and users.

Database verification
FASTag service providers will have to conduct comprehensive verification of their databases. This involves ensuring that the details linked to each FASTag align with the information in the VAHAN database, India’s national vehicle registry. This verification process is crucial for maintaining the accuracy and currency of all data.



Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/bus...-know-3571869/

Just spoke with Axis customer care. They say if you tag is working, no need to replace. The replacement is required if tag is no more readable by scanners. Guess now only way to find out is heading out of town.

And since I have other accounts with Axis already, KYC as well is not required again.

Last week, I replaced my PayTM Fastag with an ICICI one in my KWID.

The sticker part is easy to remove, but the data strip will stick to the glass and will not budge. I soaked a small piece of cloth with kerosine and held it on for some time. After a few minutes, I just wiped with a dry microfiber and everything came out neat and clean. Alternatively, you can use WD40 if available.

Some more info:

And it was supposed to be just a quick and easy way to pass through tolls!

:Frustrati

Came across this news on updating KYC for FasTag before October end:

https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/tops...ow/ar-BB1r49H0

Has anyone done KYC updating?
If so, can you share how you did this for HDFC bank FasTag wallet?
I have a HDFC FasTag. My dashboard is showing that my KYC is complete, but I haven't ever uploaded images of the car. And I don't think I had provided PAN card details when I created by FasTag wallet (I believe) in 2018.

Regards and Thanks in advance!

I had done both when I switched providers in the aftermath of the Paytm imbroglio back in March. My guess is everyone who switched at that time are also compliant with the new rules already.

I've got 2 HDFC fastags on 2 different cars. One of them was issued in 2020. The other is a recent conversion from PayTM (I've used WD-40 and it came out in less than 2 minutes. Spray on a little and just rub the glued part away. Extremely effective!)

I've not attached pics for both cars. The KYC shows as complete in HDFC fastags portal. I think this information about updating KYC hasn't yet reached the operators?

This kind of decision making is entirely anti consumer! Why should we have a new one issued every 5 years! It's a money grab scheme!

As for the KYC part, i can understand some vehicle owners haven't completed KYC and are just using the fastag without valid background verifications.

I am not sure. I changed my fastags from PayTM to HDFC. But they don't have chassis number or vehicle pictures attached to them in the portal. These two points are also to be complied with, as per the notification.

Maybe it was an Equitas Bank specific thing. But I did provide all that info when I applied for my Paytm-replacement tags (in February, not in March as I mentioned previously). Here's their application form's screenshot. I had to attach all 4 pictures for the form to be accepted.

I think I know the reason.
Vehicle scrappage does not necessarily mean Fastag scrappage.
This means at a given moment there are high number of Fastags available to conduct transactions which do not have any bearing with a real vehicle number, owner, chassis and engine number and hence untraceable. Usually, these Fastags would be used for money laundering activities.

After almost a decade of fastag implementation, govt. finally has found the root cause for delays at the tolls - improper KYC clap:clap:

I never take my Honda City on long journeys. One time back in 2022 when I did decide to take it on the highway, it was a pain to obtain a Fastag beforehand. Anyway, it was done. Earlier this year there was that PayTM fiasco, and we again had to spend time moving to another provider, for both our cars. That too was done, and therefore I'm hoping this new KYC procedure wouldn't have to be done at this time. Because my highway running is low, I've definitely spent more time managing Fastag than any time I have saved by not waiting at tolls.

When I visited Malaysia a few years ago they had this Touch N Go card which you can purchase from a Touch N Go office.

• Purchase of this card is a simple process that takes less than 5 minutes. You can purchase multiple cards if you want.
• You can load/recharge this card with money.
• The card itself has this NFC technology (I think) so you can tap it and the money gets deducted.
• This card could be used when traveling in the trains, buses (I think) etc – basically wherever Touch N Go has partnered with.
• Crucially, if you're in a car and reach a toll plaza, you can tap this card and the appropriate money will be deducted from the balance. I don't know what happens when there is insufficient balance.

Why can't a similar system be adopted in India? Allow everybody to purchase a simple card which they can recharge periodically. The card can be pasted to the windshield (or put in their pockets, whatever) use that to easily and quickly accept payments for things such as tolls. No need to tie it with car, RC, chassis, mobile number etc. Perhaps even extend the system to allow purchase of train/bus tickets.

If the card works fast enough (it worked instantaneously in Malaysia, so we know the technology exists) then it can achieve the stated goal of reducing congestion at toll plazas.

The toll plaza should just collect the "toll" regardless of the source of the toll. It's not a "vehicle authorization and verification plaza" :). It shouldn't matter if the money from the tag that is linked to the car, car owner's mobile etc.

Yes loosing the tag would be a problem, but it's no worse than loosing currency notes. If the source of the money being loaded into the card is a concern to the government, allow recharges of this card only via bank transactions.

A supplementary solution to the above is to allow people to pay with their credit/debit cards, which already has contactless capabilities. Nearly all private car owners would be having a card, but I'm not sure what's the situation for chauffeurs, truckers, etc.

While I understand the rationale and support the intention behind it, I feel like the existing Fastag system is not very well thought out, and the powers that be should take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

If anybody from the government is reading this, consider all this as a good-faith suggestion from a citizen. None of this is a criticism of the government.