FASTag is India’s electronic toll collection system, linked to a prepaid wallet or bank account. Since February 16, 2021, all lanes at National Highway toll plazas have been designated as FASTag lanes.
FASTag is India’s RFID-based electronic toll collection system, designed to let vehicles pass toll plazas without stopping. But many users still face double charges, penalties, or incorrect deductions here’s how to fix and avoid them
When do double toll charges apply with FASTag?
The rules distinguish between a vehicle fault and a plaza fault. If the fault lies with the plaza’s scanner, network, or backend, the correct charge is the normal one-way toll. If the vehicle arrives without a valid, readable, and funded tag, the law allows the toll operator to levy double the fee.
Common Reasons for Double Toll Charges
1️⃣ Non-affixed or Improperly Affixed FASTag
If the FASTag isn’t stuck correctly on the inside of the front windshield, the RFID reader can’t read it and toll systems may charge double fee as penalty.
- Toll operators use CCTV to check vehicle numbers where FASTag is missing or wrongly placed.
- Also can result in the tag being blacklisted if repeatedly unreadable.
2️⃣ Low Balance / Inactive / Blacklisted FASTag
Automatic deductions fail if the tag has insufficient funds or is inactive/blacklisted.
- If the tag is inactive or blacklisted for more than an hour before reaching the toll, the system rejects the transaction and may charge double toll.
- A rejected transaction may show error code 176.
3️⃣ Missing or Expired FASTag
If you travel without a valid FASTag, cash users are charged double toll — but from Nov 15, 2025, you can pay via UPI at 1.25× toll instead of 2×.
4️⃣ Technical Errors & System Glitches
Double deductions sometimes occur due to:
- RFID reader misreads
- Network sync issues
- Toll system glitches
How to Avoid Double Toll Fee
- Enterprises with tight schedules should maintain two FASTags per fleet.
- Enable auto-recharge with a minimum balance cap.
- Always check your FASTag balance before every trip.
- If FASTag errors occur repeatedly, consider switching to a more reliable operator.
- Protect your FASTag from physical damage.
- If you own multiple vehicles, avoid tag mismatch or confusion.
Tips From Users (Community Experiences)
- Many users have reported refund after complaint via bank or NHAI.
- Some experienced double charges when balances dipped below toll amount.
- In rare cases, tag hotlisting without notice caused immediate penalties so monitor tag status regularly.
