FASTags mandatory on new cars from December 1, 2017

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a plan to make FASTag devices mandatory on all 4-wheelers. Cars sold on and after December 1, 2017 must have FASTag fitted on the front windscreen either by the manufacturer or by the authorised dealer.

A FASTag uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to make toll payments directly from the user's prepaid or savings account. This allows commuters to drive through toll plazas without having to stop to make a cash transcation. FASTags can be purchased for Rs. 200 approximately and an additional Rs. 200 has to be paid as a security deposit.

At present, there are about 370 toll plazas acros India's national highway network that have FASTag facilities. The system is inter-operable and the same FASTag can be used at all toll plazas.

Source: Hindustan Times