Have you ever encountered your FASTag getting blacklisted? If not, you are the lucky one, as it is common for FASTags to get blacklisted. FASTags are now compulsory for making electronic toll payments and require you to ensure that they are active at all times. In case they are blacklisted for some reason, you are required to make toll payments in cash, where you have to pay double the normal toll amount.
But what are the reasons for a FASTag getting blacklisted? How can you check if your FASTag is blacklisted? Can you reactivate your FASTag once it is blacklisted? This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to provide answers to all these questions.
What is FASTag blacklisting
FASTag blacklisting is the process utilised by issuing institutions such as a bank or NBFC or by law enforcement to suspend an active FASTag account. Once a FASTag account is blacklisted, it becomes ineligible to make automatic toll payments, forcing the user to make toll payments in cash, including the 100% penalty.
Reasons for FASTag blacklisting
Here are some reasons for FASTag blacklisting:
- Insufficient balance: One of the most common reasons for FASTag blacklisting is insufficient balance. Most issuing institutions require users to maintain a minimum FASTag balance. If the minimum balance is not met, the FASTag can get blacklisted.
- Suspicious activities: The issuing institution may blacklist your FASTag if it shows any suspicious activity. For example, if there have been multiple debits in a very short period, it can be flagged, and your FASTag may get blacklisted.
- Legal violations: The NHAI has established some toll-related laws that commuters must follow. For example, one vehicle can only have one FASTag. Your FASTag may get blacklisted if you violate any toll-related law.
- Outdated or incorrect information: The issuing institution requires the users to have up-to-date KYC information and the correct vehicle registration number on their FASTags. In case KYC information is outdated or the VRN is incorrect, your FASTag may get blacklisted.
- Outstanding penalties: Commuters getting any toll-related penalties must deposit them within a specific period. Your FASTag may get blacklisted if you have outstanding toll-related penalties.
How to check if your FASTag is blacklisted
You can check if your FASTag is blacklisted by logging in to your FASTag account. Most issuing institutes have a section for users to log in to their FASTag account on their websites or mobile apps. Once you have logged in using your credentials, you can check the status of your FASTag. If it is blacklisted, it will be tagged as ‘Blacklisted’ or ‘Suspended.’ This would mean that your FASTag has become inactive, and you need to reactivate it.
How to reactivate your blacklisted FASTag
Here are some steps you can follow to reactivate your FASTag:
- Recharging: If your FASTag does not have sufficient balance, recharge it through a trusted third-party online marketplace or platform. Once there is sufficient balance, the FASTag will become active again.
- Updating and correcting information: If your FASTag has been blacklisted because of non-compliance, update the KYC information right away. However, correct the vehicle registration number if your KYC has been blacklisted due to an incorrect vehicle registration number.
- Contact customer care: If your FASTag is blacklisted despite having the minimum balance, contact the customer care of your issuing agency. They will help you identify the exact cause of the blacklisting and guide you through the process to resolve it. Follow the instructions to reactivate your FASTag.
- Contact law enforcement agency: If your FASTag has been blacklisted because of outstanding penalties or legal violations, contact the customer care of the law enforcement agency or visit their office. You can ask them about the exact blacklisting reason and the resolution process to reactivate your FASTag.
Conclusion
It is crucial to maintain the active status of your FASTag to make toll payments electronically. If it is blacklisted, you won’t be able to make automatic toll payments and have to incur a 100% penalty to make the payment in cash. Now that you know the reasons, you can avoid FASTag blacklisting. In case your FASTag gets blacklisted, you can use the above-mentioned process to reactivate your FASTag.