Government makes FASTag mandatory for all new 4-wheelers from December 1, 2017

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued notification to make FASTag mandatory for all new four-wheelers from December 1, 2017.
The notification follows amendment to Central Motor Vehicle (CMV) Rules, 1989 made by central government as per powers vested in it under Motor Vehicles Act, 1989.

Key Facts

The notification explained that FASTag means an onboard unit (transponder) or any such device fitted on front windscreen on vehicle. It should be fixed on front windscreens by automobile manufacturers or authorised dealers. In case of any vehicle which is sold in form of drive-away-chassis without windscreen, FASTags shall be fitted by vehicle owner before registration of such vehicles. The tag can be purchased from tag issuers and after it is linked to prepaid account then vehicle owner is required to recharge or top up tag as per requirement.

FASTag

FASTag is device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from prepaid or savings account linked to it. It is affixed on the windscreen of vehicle and enables the commuter to drive through toll plazas, without stopping for cash transactions.
The tag on windshield will be read by readers fitted in dedicated Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lanes of toll plazas after vehicles passes through toll plazas. The user will receive SMS alerts for toll transactions, low balance and all other developments.
FASTag has a validity of five years and after purchasing it only needs to recharge or top up as per the requirement. Its major advantages of include no need to carry cash for the toll transactions, time-saving, near non-stop movement of vehicles leading to lower fuel cost among others
Presently, FASTag is operational at about 370 toll plazas across National Highways. The system is inter-operable and same FASTag can be used across all toll plazas under National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017