FASTag Scanner
The FASTag scanner in India is a big improvement in how tolls are collected. It makes travelling on highways and national roads easier and more convenient. FASTag is like a special sticker on your car's windshield that lets you pay tolls electronically.
What is a FASTag scanner
The FASTag scanner is like a smart machine at toll booths all over India. It uses a special technology called RFID to read the information on your FASTag sticker, which is given by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). When you drive up to a toll booth, the scanner quickly gets the details from your FASTag sticker and deducts the toll money from your prepaid account. This makes paying tolls easier and saves time for drivers. It also helps reduce traffic jams at toll booths, making traffic flow better.
In addition to this, Bajaj Finserv offers a convenient platform called BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System) where you can manage your FASTag payments and other bills easily. This platform makes it even more convenient for people to handle their payments and travel smoothly on India's roads.
How does the FASTag scanner work
Let us understand how a FASTag scanner works:
Scanning the FASTag
As your vehicle gets close to the toll booth, the FASTag scans the sticker (FASTag) on your car’s windshield.
Reading the details
The scanner reads all the important stuff stored in that FASTag sticker. It is like the scanner is checking your car’s digital wallet.
Calculating the toll
The server does some quick math and figures out how much you owe for the toll. It is like a digital toll calculator.
Paying automatically
If you have enough money in your FASTag account, the server takes the toll fee from there. No cash or cards are needed. It is like having a smart wallet for your car.
Barrier lifts
After all this electronic scanning, the toll booth's barrier goes up by itself. You do not need to stop or hand over any cash while passing through the toll barrier.
Step-by-step process of how a FASTag barcode scanner works
FASTag barcode scanners use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to facilitate seamless toll payments. Here is a step-by-step process of how it works:
- Approaching the toll plaza: When a vehicle equipped with an RFID-enabled FASTag approaches the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lane of a toll plaza, the scanner captures the FASTag details such as Tag ID, Vehicle Class, and TID.
- Data processing: The scanner processes the captured data in real-time and sends it to the acquiring bank for verification.
- Verification request: The acquiring bank sends a verification request to the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) Mapper to validate the tag details.
- Tag validation: The NETC Mapper responds to the verification request. If the Tag ID is valid, the process moves to the next step; otherwise, it is flagged as invalid.
- Toll fare calculation: Upon successful validation, the appropriate toll fare is calculated and a debit request is initiated in the NETC system.
- Amount deduction: The NETC system forwards the debit request to the respective issuer bank, which then deducts the toll amount from the customer's prepaid account.
- Confirmation: Once the amount is deducted, the vehicle is allowed to pass through the toll plaza without stopping, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction.
Benefits of using a FASTag scanner
Using a FASTag scanner offers numerous advantages, making it a game-changer for both commuters and the overall toll collection system in India:
Time efficiency
FASTag scanner-equipped toll booths drastically reduce waiting times. Vehicles can breeze through without stopping, leading to quicker journeys.
Fuel savings
Less time spent idling in long toll lines means reduced fuel consumption, which is not only cost-effective but also better for the environment.
Reduce traffic congestion
The seamless electronic payment system minimises congestion at toll booths, leading to smoother traffic flow on highways and roads.
No cash hassles
No more scrambling for exact change or worrying about cash transactions. FASTag eliminates the need for physical currency, enhancing safety and convenience.
Digital records
All transactions are recorded digitally, providing a transparent and accountable toll-collection process.
Automatic recharge
FASTag accounts can be easily topped up online, ensuring uninterrupted travel on toll roads.
Nationwide usability
FASTag works on highways and national roads across India, making it a versatile payment option for frequent travellers.
Online account management
Users can monitor their accounts, check transaction history, and manage funds conveniently through online platforms.
Enhanced security
FASTag transactions are secure and tamper-proof, reducing the risk of fraud or misuse.
Government initiatives
The Indian government promotes FASTag usage as part of its digital and cashless economy drive, aligning with the country's vision for a tech-savvy future.
How to scan Fastag with a mobile phone
- Download the My FASTag app from the Google Play Store or App Store
- Register with your mobile number and complete OTP verification
- Select 'SCAN QR CODE' and point the rear camera of your phone at the QR code on the FASTag
- Verify your FASTag account and check transaction details, including balance and recharge options
By scanning a FASTag with a mobile phone, users can make toll payments fast, simple, and contactless.
What happens if you do not have a FASTag on your vehicle
If you do not have a FASTag on your vehicle, you will face certain consequences at toll plazas:
- Double toll charges: Vehicles without a valid or functional FASTag are required to pay double the toll fee when passing through a FASTag lane. This rule is enforced to encourage the adoption of FASTag and ensure smooth traffic flow.
- Manual payment: Without a FASTag, you will need to pay the toll fee in cash or through other manual payment methods, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
- Longer wait times: Vehicles without FASTag often experience longer wait times at toll plazas due to the manual payment process, leading to delays and increased fuel consumption.
- Availability of FASTag: To ease the transition, several agents from different banks are stationed at toll plazas to help commuters obtain and install FASTags on their vehicles.
