The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has instructed toll collection agencies to charge double the fee for vehicles without FASTags affixed on their windscreens. This move aims to stop motorists from carrying the FASTag in hand or placing it elsewhere in the vehicle.

Electronic transactions will not be allowed for FASTags not properly fixed on the assigned vehicle. Such vehicles will be charged double the toll, and the FASTags may be blacklisted. Issuer banks must ensure FASTags are fixed on the windscreen at the point of sale, according to NHAI.

“Some motorists carry the FASTag in hand, which leads to fraud and delays at toll plazas,” said a source in a toll collection agency. The NHAI has sent a circular with detailed guidelines to enforce this rule.

To prevent delays and inconvenience at toll plazas, NHAI has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to display this information prominently at all toll booths. This is to inform motorists about the penalties for not fixing the FASTag on the windscreen.

Additionally, CCTV footage of vehicles charged double fees will be stored at toll plazas for record-keeping and evidence in case of disputes.