The National Highways Authority of India has asked all FASTag issuer banks to immediately verify vehicle registration numbers linked to FASTags, following complaints of mismatches between the registration number captured by toll readers and the actual number displayed on vehicles. NHAI has warned that such errors weaken enforcement, allow possible toll evasion and may also trigger penal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The authority noted that many discrepancies involve FASTags issued before the system was integrated with the VAHAN database, when verification relied heavily on manual inputs and limited validation checks. NHAI said these legacy FASTags pose a growing risk to the accuracy and credibility of the Electronic Toll Collection system.
With the rollout of technology-driven initiatives like Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling on the horizon, accurate vehicle data has become critical. Under the MLFF system, enforcement will rely on automated identification and electronic notices issued to non-compliant vehicles, making correct mapping of FASTags with vehicle registration numbers essential.
NHAI has directed all issuer banks to urgently revalidate FASTags issued by them and to blacklist those found to be linked with incorrect or invalid vehicle numbers, strictly as per government norms. The move aims to tighten compliance, prevent misuse, and ensure seamless toll operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and efficiency, NHAI said strengthening data integrity in FASTag operations will not only plug revenue leakages but also improve user experience and confidence in India’s digital tolling ecosystem.
