If you regularly face delays at highway toll plazas despite having a fully funded account, the issue might lie with your physical tag rather than the toll system. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently issued an advisory pointing out that worn-out or damaged FASTags are a primary cause behind scanning failures and subsequent traffic build-ups.
Why Do FASTags Stop Working?
According to the NHAI, everyday wear and tear can degrade the tag’s internal components, preventing it from properly communicating with toll plaza scanners. The top reasons for damage include:
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Frequent Windshield Cleaning: Constant rubbing or the use of abrasive chemical cleaners can permanently damage the embedded RFID chip.
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Weather Exposure: Continuous exposure to extreme heat, rain, and dust weakens the adhesive and harms the internal circuitry.
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Ageing: Like most electronics, FASTags naturally degrade over time after years of constant use.
When to Request a Replacement
Motorists are advised to get a new FASTag under the following circumstances:
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The current FASTag is more than five years old.
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You experience repeated scanning failures or unexpected delays at toll booths.
A malfunctioning tag disrupts seamless travel and creates avoidable bottlenecks, even if your linked account balance is sufficient.
Next Steps for Drivers
If your tag is faulty, the NHAI recommends reaching out directly to your respective issuer bank to request a replacement. Keeping your FASTag in perfect working order is becoming increasingly critical as India transitions toward advanced highway infrastructure, including barrier-less tolling and Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) systems. Swapping out a damaged tag early will save you time, eliminate transit hassles, and contribute to smoother highway traffic.
