Understand FASTag and How It Works in India
FASTag is a convenient electronic toll collection system started by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to make paying tolls easier and faster. First introduced in 2014, this system is now used all over the country. FASTag helps you skip long lines at toll plazas by letting you pay toll fees without stopping your vehicle.
FASTag is a small chip you stick on your vehicle’s front windshield. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When your vehicle reaches a toll plaza, the sensor reads your FASTag, and the toll fee is automatically deducted from your FASTag account. This way, you can pass through toll plazas quickly without stopping.
Purpose of FASTag
FASTag is made to speed up toll collections and make them more efficient. Soon, FASTag will be used at petrol stations too, so you can pay for fuel and parking easily. This system gets rid of long queues and the need to carry cash at toll booths, saving your valuable time on the road.
Save Money Using FASTag
FASTag users get cashback on toll payments. From 2016-17, users received 10% cashback; from 2017-18, 7.5%; 2018-19 users got 5%; and from 2019-24, users received 7.5% cashback. This cashback is credited to your FASTag account within a week. The cashback scheme started in some cities but is now available throughout India.
Benefits of FASTag in 2025
- FASTag saves your time and fuel by letting you avoid stops at toll plazas.
- It keeps your vehicle and payment details secure and offers cashback rewards.
- Your FASTag works as long as your prepaid account is active.
- Every Indian citizen can use the FASTag system.
- FASTag is valid for 5 years, after which you’ll need to replace it.
SMS Alerts for Transactions
Every time you pass a toll plaza, you get an SMS on your mobile about the toll charge deducted. This keeps you updated about your FASTag account transactions.
If you want to get FASTag for your vehicle, you can buy it from authorized sellers such as national banks and Paytm.
Where to Recharge FASTag
You can open your FASTag account and get the sticker at toll plazas or authorized points. Recharge your FASTag account through ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Paytm Bank, SBI, and others. Payments can be made using credit/debit cards, RTGS, or net banking. You can recharge with amounts from ₹100 up to ₹1,00,000.
Paytm also provides FASTag services nationwide for smooth toll payments.
Documents Required to Get FASTag
To open a FASTag account with a bank, you need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Ration Card or Voter ID Card
- Passport-size photo of the vehicle owner
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Mobile phone number
Buy FASTag Online
You can also buy FASTag online, especially for older vehicles, through the Paytm app. Paytm users get 7.5% cashback on every toll transaction, which is a great benefit. This online FASTag system supports India’s growth by making travel easier and faster.
For more details about FASTag, visit the official NHAI website.