How FASTag Works: Everything You Need to Know

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Many of you may wonder how FASTag works when passing through toll booths across the country. FASTag mainly uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to facilitate automatic toll payments, removing the need for cash at toll booths. When your four-wheeler vehicle comes within 20 to 30 feet of the reader range, the tag activates and deducts the toll fee.

If you want to check your FASTag balance after deduction at the toll tax, you can use the website or app of ACKO to seamlessly check the balance and recharge it if required. Continue reading to find out how FASTag works and improves your travel across the highways.

How FASTag Works at Toll Plazas?

Let us find out how FASTag works technically below:

Installation: A FASTag, consisting of an RFID chip with a unique identification number, is typically affixed to the windshield of vehicles.
RFID Technology: Every car owner finds the RFID reader usually installed at toll booths. A vehicle with FASTag installed passes a specific lane at toll plazas. This RFID reader emits radio waves.
Detection of Tag: As and when a vehicle approaches the toll booth, the RFID readers read FASTag. As soon as a radio signal is sent out, the RFID chip activates in the FASTag.
Data Transmission: The RFID chip further transfers the unique identification number to the reader. The vehicle owner usually links this number to their bank account information.
Transaction Process: The RFID reader, after retrieving data, forwards it to the backend system of the toll plaza for further verification.
Toll Fee Deductions: After verification, the backend system deducts the required toll amount from the linked account of the vehicle owner.
Confirmation and Payment: After deduction of the toll amount, the backend system confirms the payment system. This record is essential for account purposes.

You can make use ACKO’s portal to easily check your FASTag balance and ensure your account is funded before any trip.

How FASTag Scanner Works?

It is seen that nearly 8.81 crore FASTags have been bought by vehicle owners from all over the nation. With that much usage, learning about how a FASTag scanner works is essential. This is what happens:

Detection of RFID Technology: When a FASTag-enabled vehicle comes to a toll plaza, the scanner identifies the embedded RFID chip on the tag.
Information Processing: The scanner scans important information like vehicle category, registration number, and the associated prepaid account.
Verification: The data so retrieved is forwarded to the concerned issuer bank for real-time validation.
Final Deduction at Toll: After verification, the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) system calls the issuer bank to debit the toll fare, affecting the transaction in real time.

Bottom Line

The use of FASTag has transformed the process of toll payment in India. Using RFID technology, FASTag has simplified the payment of tolls, reduced traveling time, and helped towards a smooth and streamlined process.
Prior to your departure, check if FASTag is registered in your vehicle and linked with a proper bank account. With the use of new technologies, FASTag is expected to increase safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.