Can I Travel Without FASTag in India?

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Yes, it is possible to travel on Indian highways without a FASTag. However, you will need to pay double the toll tax at each toll plaza. Since January 1, 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made it mandatory to have a FASTag card for M and N class vehicles, as well as other four-wheelers. Furthermore, with platforms like ACKO, it is easier to check your FASTag balance and recharge instantly, helping to manage toll payments more conveniently than ever. So, next time you take that long drive with your loved ones, do not forget to get your FASTag card!

What Happens If You Do Not Have FASTag?

Vehicles entering the FASTag lane without a valid or non-functional card will be charged double the toll tax. Here are certain other inconveniences you might face, travelling without a FASTag card:

Waiting Time and Delays: Almost all toll plazas in India are converting into FASTag-compliant lanes or hybrid ones. Not having a valid card will lead to unnecessary delays and increased waiting time.
Legal Implications: You might face legal and non-regulatory compliance issues for not carrying a valid FASTag card while travelling on highways.
Missed Benefits: FASTag cards provide faster passage through crowded toll plazas with cashless payments and reduced queuing.

To avoid these inconveniences, users can monitor their FASTag status and recharge it instantly using ACKO’s user-friendly platform.

Who Is Exempt from Using FASTag in India?

Certain vehicles are exempt from carrying a FASTag card while travelling on Indian highways. The following are the different types of vehicles that might be exempt from using a FASTag in India:

Defence and Government Vehicles: Defence, parliamentary, central, and state government departmental vehicles are exempt from using FASTag.
Dignitaries: Notable or high-ranking officials or government employees like the Chief Justice of India, Governors, Prime Minister, and the President are exempt from FASTag usage.
Diplomatic Vehicles: Diplomats from foreign embassies or consulates are exempt from using a FASTag card.
Enforcement Vehicles: Police jeeps and vehicles do not require a FASTag card.
Emergency Vehicles: Fire trucks, ambulances, and hearses are exempt from using FASTags.
Gallantry Award Winners: Individuals who have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra or the Ashok Chakra are exempt.

How to Travel Legally Without a FASTag Card

To travel legally without a FASTag on Indian roads, you may opt for hybrid lanes or pay toll tax in cash. Here are the details:

Local Resident Exemption Pass: You can apply for a local resident exemption pass for free if you are living within 20km of a toll plaza.
Service Lanes/Bypass Roads: Check for nearby service lanes or bypass roads to pass toll plazas without paying the tax.
Number Plate Recognition: Some toll plazas use the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which does not require you to carry the FASTag card physically.

Final Thoughts

Even though FASTag is mandatory in India, one can travel legally without it. However, doing this will attract double the toll tax and other legal inconveniences unless exempt. To have a hassle-free experience on a long drive, make sure to buy a FASTag card from a bank or third party seller for faster passages through toll plazas.

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Written by Saumya Srivastava

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Reviewed by Lokesh Shetty

A professional writer who loves delivering content that resonates, educates, and keeps readers engaged, making the often complex world of insurance more approachable and enjoyable. Beyond the pen, she is a passionate foodie at heart who believes in savoring life’s flavors in all aspects, whether it's a new dish or a well-crafted sentence.