Is FASTag Required For Bike

Posted on: Jul 26, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Is FASTag Required For Bike

The advent of FASTag has significantly changed India's toll collection system. This innovative method, designed to make toll payments simple and efficient, has become standard for four-wheelers.

So, how about two-wheeler vehicles? Is FASTag for bikes and scooters mandatory? Let us consider the details to understand the existing requirements and implications of the FASTag system.

Having FASTag for your four-wheelers is essential to avoid penalties from the National Highway Authority of India. Just like that insurance for bikes is necessary to prevent fines and ensure protection against any mishaps.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is an electronic toll-collection system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable toll deduction from a linked account when vehicles cross toll booths. It scans a reloadable tag affixed to the windscreen of a car. The FASTag technique has been adopted by the National Payments Corporation of India (NCPI) to avoid toll plaza congestion and encourage seamless transit across highways.

FASTag Implementation in India

FASTag is implemented by the Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), an entity owned by NHAI. Since its inception, the tag has been made compulsory for all four-wheelers at toll plazas across the country. Over 90% of toll payments are now made using this system, indicating a significant achievement of its objective.

FASTag for Different Vehicles

FASTag applies to all four-wheelers including cars, jeeps, trucks, etc. A single tag is applicable for only one vehicle. Every FASTag is linked with the vehicle registration number and other details which are specific to the same.

If you have more than one vehicle, you will need separate FASTags for each. Recharging of the tag can be done from any NETC member bank and with various payment methods available, including BBPS, UPI, net banking, etc., according to users' choice.

Is FASTag Mandatory for Bikes

Many wonder whether a FASTag is required for bikes. The answer is “No”. Two-wheelers are exempt from the FASTag mandate in view of many practical considerations.

1. Minimal Congestion Impact

First and foremost, bikes and scooters consume very minimal space on the road compared to larger vehicles. Their small size makes them easily navigable through toll plazas, thereby causing negligible congestion. It is this ease that obviates the necessity of a separate toll collection system like FASTag for two-wheelers.

2. Negligible Toll Charges

In most cases, the toll charges for two-wheelers are either nil or very low, making FASTag for bikes not necessary. The logistical efforts and costs related to setting up FASTag for two-wheelers are not worth the benefits that would be derived, making it unnecessary to have bikes and scooters pay through the electronic toll collection system.

Conclusion

Even though FASTag does not apply to bikes and scooters, the idea of its working and rules may give additional knowledge to two-wheeler owners. It may, in turn, come in very handy for owners of bikes looking to upgrade to four-wheelers or may also help people owning both types of vehicles. Staying updated regarding any change in road transport will always keep people compliant and prepared for the change.

Frequently Answered Questions

1. Why are bikes and scooters exempt from FASTag?

Two-wheelers cause minimal congestion and often have negligible toll charges, making FASTag implementation unnecessary.

2. Can FASTag be used interchangeably between vehicles?

No, each FASTag is linked to a specific vehicle registration number and cannot be transferred or used for another vehicle.

3. Are there any plans to make FASTag mandatory for bikes in the future?

Currently, there are no plans to mandate FASTag for bikes and scooters due to their unique traffic impact and toll considerations.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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