New Delhi: Starting today, 17 February the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented new FASTag transaction rules, focusing on exceptions related to hotlisted, low-balance or blacklisted tags.
The changes, outlined in NPCI’s latest addendum to Circular 004, aim to streamline the validation process for toll payments and prevent unauthorized transactions.
New Rule for Declining Transactions
Under the revised guidelines, transactions presented on a FASTag that has been inactive for more than 60 minutes before the reader read time and up to 10 minutes after it will be declined with reason code 176. This means if a vehicle’s FASTag is added to a hotlist, flagged for low balance, or blacklisted during this window, any toll deduction attempt will be rejected.
Previously, transactions were validated differently, leading to potential inconsistencies in charge approvals. The latest update ensures that toll deductions occur only when a FASTag remains active at the time of scanning.
Impact on FASTag Users and Toll Operators
- FASTag Users: Vehicle owners need to ensure their tags remain active and funded, especially during transit, to avoid unexpected transaction failures at toll plazas. If a tag is blacklisted or flagged as low balance within the 60-minute window before reaching the toll scanner, the transaction will be declined.
- Toll Operators and Banks: Member banks must update their systems in compliance with the new rule. Acquirer banks have been instructed to inform toll plaza operators and system integrators to ensure smooth implementation.
Illustrative Examples from NPCI
NPCI provided examples demonstrating how transactions will be processed under the new rule:
- If a FASTag is blacklisted at 1:00 PM and the vehicle reaches the toll plaza at 2:10 PM (beyond the 60-minute window), the transaction will be declined.
- If a FASTag is blacklisted at 1:00 PM but removed from the blacklist by 1:30 PM, and the vehicle reaches the toll at 2:10 PM, the transaction will be accepted.
The updated rule is expected to improve transaction security and prevent issues related to delayed blacklisting or fund depletion.
As the new FASTag rules take effect today, it enhances transparency and ensure smoother digital toll transactions, reinforcing the efficiency of the electronic toll collection system.
Also read –
NHAI Signs MoU with HLL Lifecare to Improve Highway Emergency Response
