FASTag or the electronic toll collection system is going live from December 1. FASTags will become mandatory across all national highways and some select state highways across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

There are two kind of FASTags. One is bank specific which will need a driver's licence as identity proof and an address in case of individual vehicle owner.

The bank neutral FASTags are issued by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) which can be linked to your existing bank account. They will not need Know Your Customer (KYC).

As far as fleet owners are concerned, they will need to show a copy of registration certificate, owner’s photo and other KYC needs also have to be fulfilled.

How to buy FASTags

There are 22 issuer banks, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, where you can find the bank specific FASTags and there are bank-neutral FASTags which are available across all points of sale of NHAI, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), transport hubs as well as online retailer Amazon.

NHAI-issued bank-neutral FASTags can also be bought at several petrol pumps. The list of petrol pumps offering the facility is available on My FASTag application.

A helpline number, 1033, offers information on FASTag points of sale in your city.

Recharging FASTags

FASTags need a one-time recharge of Rs 100 and the refundable amount varies from vehicle to vehicle. The sum for a heavy commercial vehicle is different from a light commercial vehicle.

FASTags can be recharged using UPI, Paytm, My FASTag app, and net banking. They can also be linked to your existing bank accounts across the SBI, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank etc. Remember, the wallet has to be recharged before you go on to these highways and use FASTag otherwise you will incur a heavy penalty.

Linking FASTag with bank accounts

Every FASTag comes with a reference number which will be sent to your phone number or your email address and you can use it to link with seven banks which are currently available on the My FASTag app and then make payments in the future.

FASTags will become mandatory within a week and it remains to be seen how successful the implementation of this ambitious government project proves.