FASTag new rules: here’s why users with low balance, outdated KYC must update account before February 17

Car users with FASTag must adhere to new rules imposing a 70-minute-long interval to update their low balance/get themselves removed from the blacklist or face rejected transactions, warned a circular from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) regarding NETC FASTag usage.

The change is set to be implemented on February 17, 2025, per the circular.

Under the new rules, a FASTag user with low balance or ones on a hotlist/blacklist due to other factors relating to their vehicle or account, may face a declined transaction “under code 176.” This can happen up to 60 minutes before their FASTag is read, and up to 10 minutes after the tag is read. However, if they are removed from the offending lists between this window, their transaction will be accepted.

Simply put, this means that a user with low FASTag balance cannot add more value to their account just as the toll gate comes into view, as their transaction is likely to be rejected. Similarly, those on the FASTag hotlist/blacklist need to take the necessary steps well in advance to be removed from these lists, so that the transaction is not declined and they do not face any inconveniences while at the toll booths.

“Transactions that are presented shall be validated based on reader read time and the time at which the tag is placed under hotlist / low balance / blacklist. Transactions presented on tags which are not active for more than 60 minutes prior to reader read time and up to 10 minutes after reader read time shall be declined with reason code 176,” noted the circular sent out by the NPCI.