New FASTag Rules: 5 Important Government Regulations You Must Know (2026)

Old vs New FASTag Rules: Clear Comparison

5 Important Government FAStag Regulations You Must Know

1. No Routine KYV for FASTags (Big Simplification)
Under the new FASTag rules, the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process is no longer required as a routine step after activation for FASTags issued to cars, jeeps, and vans from 1 February 2026. Verification is now done before activation, reducing delays and repeated requests.

Details under the updated rule:

• New FASTags: Verification must be done before activation using the VAHAN database or RC when necessary.
• Existing FASTags: Routine KYV is stopped; it will only be required if issues like incorrect issuance, tag misuse, or loose tags arise.

This change is part of NHAI’s effort to simplify the FASTag process and reduce paperwork.

2. Updated Toll Charges for Non‑FASTag Users
The government amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules to change how tolls are collected from vehicles without a valid FASTag. From mid‑November 2025 onwards (continuing into 2026):

• Cash payments: Continue to be charged double the standard toll fee as a penalty.
• Digital payments (like UPI): Non‑FASTag users paying via UPI or other approved digital methods are charged 1.25× the standard toll fee, not double.
• FASTag users pay the normal toll rate.

For example: ₹ 100 standard toll → ₹ 200 if paid in cash, ₹ 125 if paid via UPI when no valid FASTag is presented. This encourages digital payments and reduces congestion at toll plazas.

3. Stronger Validation Before FASTag Activation
To support the removal of routine post‑activation KYV, new FASTag rules require issuer banks to complete pre‑activation vehicle checks:

• Banks must validate vehicle details using the VAHAN database before activating a new FASTag.
• If VAHAN data isn’t available, the Registration Certificate (RC) is used for verification.
• Issuing banks are accountable for correct validation.

This change reduces errors and prevents incorrect tag issuance, helping ensure that FASTags are properly linked to the correct vehicle.

4. FASTag Balance and Blacklist Penalties
The updated FASTag regulations also clarify how tag balances and penalties work:

• If a tag has insufficient balance or is blacklisted, toll payment may be declined.
• If a FASTag is repeatedly not functional or misused, authorities may suspend or blacklist it until issues are resolved.
• Users are advised to keep sufficient balance in their FASTag account to avoid penalties.

These rules help maintain the integrity of toll collections and prevent revenue loss. Learn how to check FASTag balance with your vehicle number for smooth travel.

5. Proper FASTag Installation and Compliance
New FASTag rules stress correct installation:

• FASTags must be affixed properly on the front windshield as prescribed by NHAI and toll authorities.
• Incorrect or poorly affixed tags may not be read by toll plaza systems, leading to penalties or tag suspension.
• Toll operators are instructed to check tag placement and report issues for correction.

This reduces misreads and unnecessary slowdowns at toll plazas.
 

Summary

The new FASTag rules, effective from February 1, 2026, aim to simplify toll payments and improve the user experience on national highways. Key government regulations include the end of routine KYV for private vehicles, upfront vehicle verification before activation, updated non‑FASTag toll charges with a digital payment option, clear balance and penalty guidelines, and mandated installation compliance. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to make electronic tolling more efficient, transparent, and user‑friendly.
 

FAQs