How To Remove Fastag From Car Windshield: Quick And Easy Methods For Car Owners

The other day, my cousin was out in the driveway, bent halfway into his car. From a distance, it looked like he was fixing something serious. When I got closer, he said, “Don’t laugh. I’m trying to get this FASTag sticker off.”

He had a card in his hand, trying to slide it under the edge. “It’ll come off easy,” he said. It didn’t. The corner lifted, then tore. He stood for a second before muttering. “You’re gonna scratch the glass,” I told him.

“Too late,” he said, pressing harder anyway. The tag came off only in bits. It left patches of it all over the windshield. We stood there for a while, staring at it. “Why do they make it this strong?” he asked. I didn’t have an answer.

Have you ever tried taking one off? It looks simple until you’re standing there with glue on your fingers and a torn sticker that won’t quit. Some people use a knife, some heat it with a hairdryer, others just give up halfway through.

But there’s an easy way to do it - clean, quick, no scratches. You don’t need tools or fancy stuff. Just a bit of patience and the right approach. Let’s walk through how to do it properly in the article below.
 

A Quick List to Check Before You Start

Take a minute to get ready before you start. It will save you a lot of trouble later.

• First, check to see if your new FASTag is ready. There is no point in cleaning a spot if you're just going to cover it up again right away. Keep the new tag close by.
• Next, get a hairdryer or park the car in the sun. Because it is a lot easier when it's hot. A warm day helps, but a hair dryer works just as well.
• Get your tools ready. A dental floss or a plastic card (like an old gift or loyalty card) and rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover.

Ready? Okay, you're all set to go.
 

How to Get a FASTag Off Your Car's Windscreen?

Here's a step-by-step guide to a method that really works:

➔ Method 1: Floss and Heat

This is the method that has worked in the past. It won't hurt the glass, and it uses things you probably already have. It works by softening the glue just enough to let a floss line through, which lifts the tag without putting too much stress on the glass.

What You Will Need:

• Hair dryer
• A thin dental floss
• Plastic card (like an old gift card or library card)
• Alcohol for rubbing or glue remover
• A soft microfiber cloth

Steps:

• Step 1: Heat it up
  Use the hair dryer on medium-high heat for two to three minutes to warm up the tag and the glass around it. Move it around so you don't get too hot in one spot.
• Step 2: Use Floss
  Put the floss behind one corner of the tag. Slowly move across the whole tag while using a gentle sawing motion. Don't pull; let the heat and floss do the work.
• Step 3: Scrape it off
  There will be some sticky stuff left over after the tag comes off. Push it off gently with the plastic card, keeping it at a low angle so it doesn't get scratched.
  
• Step 4: Clean It
  Put some rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover on the places that are sticky. Give it about 30 seconds to sit, and then wipe it off with the microfiber cloth. Use a clean part of the cloth to finish so the glass looks clear.

How This Works

The heat makes the industrial-strength glue less strong, changing it from a solid bond to a sticky layer. The floss goes through the softened glue without putting any pressure on the glass, which keeps the defogger lines safe. The alcohol cleans the rest of the surface, leaving it smooth and clean. Easy, smart, and useful.

➔ Method 2: Adhesive Remover

Even after the FASTag sticker is gone, there is still a sticky, stubborn patch of glue that won't come off. Don't worry. When gentle scraping doesn't work, it's time to call in the expert: an adhesive remover made just for this job. This method uses a chemical solution to safely and effectively get rid of the problem.

Tools Needed:

• A commercial glue remover, like Goo Gone, or isopropyl alcohol
• A microfiber cloth that is soft and clean
• A spatula made of soft plastic or a card made of plastic
• Gloves

Steps:

• Step 1: Use the solution
Put on your gloves. Put a small amount of the adhesive remover right on the sticky stuff. Let it sit and soak in for the amount of time that the label says to. This is usually about 60 seconds. The residue should start to come off.

• Step 2: Wipe
  Use your microfiber cloth to wipe the area firmly. The residue should start to form balls and come off on the cloth. You can use your plastic card to gently lift and scrape the glue that is coming off of thicker patches.
• Step 3: The Final Touch
  You might still see a thin film from the remover itself after you get rid of all the sticky stuff.  Polish the whole area one last time with a clean part of your cloth and some water or glass cleaner. This will make your windscreen clear and streak-free.

How it works

Strong solvents are used to make adhesive removers. These solvents are meant to break the chemical bonds that hold things like glue and tar together. They basically break down the glue from the outside in, making a solid bond that is hard to clean up.

This is a good way to do things, but you need to be careful. Always use these things in a place where the air can move freely.  The fumes can be very strong. We strongly suggest that you wear gloves to keep your skin safe. And most importantly, test the adhesive remover on a small, hidden area first.

➔ Method 3: Warm Soap Solution

You might be in trouble. You can't find the hair dryer, and there aren't any special cleaners in the garage. Don't worry, you can still get rid of that stubborn tag with warm, soapy water. It's a real household hero. This is the simplest way to get rid of FASTag.  It takes longer and is slower, but it's very safe and uses what you already have.

Needed Tools:

• A bowl of water that is warm but not boiling
• A few drops of dish soap
• A sponge or a soft microfiber cloth
• A card made of plastic

Steps:

• Step 1: Put soap on
  To make a soapy solution, add the dish soap to the warm water. Put your microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out so it's damp but not dripping, and then put it right on top of the FASTag. You want the sticker to be in constant contact with the heat and moisture.
  
• Step 2: Let it Soak
  For a good 10 to 15 minutes, leave the wet cloth on the FASTag. To keep the area warm and wet, you may need to wet it again and put it back on a few times. The goal is to let the soapy water slowly get under the edges and loosen the glue.
• Step 3: Carefully peel and clean
  Carefully peel back one corner of the FASTag after it has soaked for a long time. It should be easier to get rid of. If it doesn't want to come up, gently use your plastic card to help it. After you take off the tag, use the same soapy solution and cloth to scrub away any leftover residue. If there are any stubborn bits, use the plastic card.
   

What NOT to Do

It's only half the battle to know what to do. Knowing what not to do can help you avoid making a costly mistake. It's easy to get angry when that FASTag won't move. Don't give in to that urge!

Here are the main things you shouldn't do:

• Don't Use a Sharp Metal Scraper or Razor Blade
  It may seem like a quick fix, but it's a sure way to leave permanent scratches and scuffs on your windscreen. While driving, these scratches can catch the light, and over time, they can even weaken the glass.
• Don't Just Take It Off
  It's not a good idea to rip off the tag with brute force. You could leave behind a big, messy layer of glue that is harder to clean. If the tag is on the back windscreen, a hard pull can also damage the fragile defogger lines that are printed on the glass. It costs a lot to fix those.
• Stay Away From Strong Chemicals
  Avoid cleaners that are rough or have strong solvents, like nail polish remover or acetone. Over time, these can hurt the glass itself or make it cloudy, as well as hurt any window tinting. Use only the products that are suggested.

Keep in mind that you want a clean windscreen, not a broken one. If you use the right method, being patient is always cheaper than getting a new piece of glass.
 

Precautions and Unusual Situations

Before you start, let's go over a few last, very important things to make sure you do well.

General Safety Tips:

• The best way not to hurt yourself is to rush any of these methods. Don't use more force if it's not coming off easily. Instead, use more heat, more solution, or more soak time.
• It can drip when you use liquids like soap and water or adhesive remover. Get a cloth ready to catch any drips on the dashboard so they don't stain or damage it.
• Make sure the garage is well-ventilated if you're using a chemical adhesive remover there so you don't breathe in the fumes.
   

Troubleshooting Table

Even with the best methods, you might hit a small snag. Don't let it derail you. This quick-reference table helps you diagnose the problem and find a solution fast:

Why It’s Important to Remove FASTags Properly?

So, why bother with all this? It will save you money and keep your car safe if you take the time to do it right. With time, a deep scratch can turn into a crack, especially when the temperature changes or the road shakes. A small, manageable flaw can suddenly turn into a long crack that spreads across your line of sight like a spider web. And that's not just annoying; it's dangerous.

Replacing a windscreen is a big and unexpected cost. A clear, undamaged windscreen is your first line of defence for safe driving, and that's even more important. It makes sure you can see the road clearly, without any glares or distortions that scratches can cause.

Wrapping Up

Removing a FASTag doesn't have to be a frustrating chore. With a little know-how and the right approach, it can be a quick and satisfying five-minute job. Just remember the golden rule of being gentle. Heat, patience, and simple tools like dental floss or a plastic card are your best friends. Avoid sharp metal objects and the urge to pull hard. Whether you choose the heat-and-floss method, a specialist adhesive remover, or a simple soapy soak, you now have everything you need to get that windshield spotless and clear again.

Disclaimer: The content provided in our articles is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should not act solely on the information provided and are encouraged to seek professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances.