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New FASTag Rules 2025: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways have introduced two new FASTag rules — one on ‘late transactions’ and another on ‘chargebacks’.
The latest rules might lead to additional charges for FASTag users due to failed payments; here’s how to avoid penalties.
New FASTag Rules from Today: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways have introduced two new FASTag rules — one on ‘late transactions’ and another on ‘chargebacks’. The changes, effective from February 17, 2025, are aimed at streamlining toll payments and mitigating disputes. Here are the latest changes to FASTag rules.
Delayed Transactions May Incur Penalties
– Fastag users might have to pay additional charges if their toll transactions are processed over 15 minutes after the vehicle passes the toll reader, according to a Moneycontrol report.
– In case the FASTag user’s wallet has insufficient balance, the toll operator will be held responsible for the delay, according to updated National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) guidelines.
– In case the amount is deducted despite the delay, users can raise a dispute, but only after a mandatory 15-day cooling period.
Chargeback Rules
– Under the new rules, banks can raise chargebacks for incorrect deductions related to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags only after 15 days.
– If a chargeback is raised before the cooling period ends, it will be automatically rejected with error code 5290 (Cooling period not completed).
– The implementation date for these changes in the NETC system will be announced separately.
If FASTag Inactive For Over 60 Minutes Before the Transaction
– According to the latest rules, if a FASTag has been inactive for over 60 minutes before the vehicle reaches the toll and remains inactive for 10 minutes after, the transaction will be declined.
– Payments rejected due to this rule will show reason code 176.
– Effective Date: February 17, 2025.
How Can FASTag Users Avoid Issues?
– Keep sufficient balance in your FASTag wallet.
– Monitor transaction times to avoid unexpected delays.
– If an incorrect charge is deducted, wait 15 days before raising a dispute.
– Regularly check your FASTag status to prevent rejections due to inactivity.
