Fit a FASTag in a Car

FASTag is an electronic mode of payment that you stick to your windshield to pay the fare at toll gates in India. As you drive through the toll plaza, a scanner reads your tag, and funds are withdrawn from an account you have linked to your tag. They’re efficient, convenient, and they’re also mandatory for all vehicles traveling through Indian toll gates. While FASTags are easy to install on your car, it’s important that you install them correctly so the scanner is able to read them.

Steps

Installing the Tag

  1. Choose a visible location on the top middle of your windshield. The FASTag is about the size of a credit card and needs to be positioned in the upper portion of the center of your windshield so the scanners at the toll plaza are able to read it. Look for a spot on the top part of your windshield that won’t obstruct your view while you’re driving and isn’t hidden by your rearview mirror. [1]
  2. Clean the inside of your windshield with glass cleaner and dry it off. Take a spray bottle of glass cleaner and coat the inside of your windshield with it. Then, take a clean cloth or sponge and wipe away any dust or dirt from the surface so the FASTag will adhere to the glass. Use a dry cloth or a paper towel to dry off the glass so there isn’t any moisture to affect the adhesive.[2]
    • Use a glass cleaner so there aren’t any streaks or residue left behind.
    • Dust and dirt will make it difficult for your tag to adhere evenly to the surface of the glass.
    • Make sure the glass is completely dry before you install your tag.
  3. Remove the adhesive from the front of the FASTag sticker. Take your tag out of its packaging and peel off the strip of paper on the front to expose the adhesive beneath it. Keep the tag flat in your hand and avoid folding it onto itself or you won’t be able to unstick it without damaging it.[3]
  4. Press the adhesive side against the inside of the windshield to attach it. Hold the tag flat in your hand and carefully press 1 of the sides against the glass. Then, gently roll the tag onto the glass so it sticks to it without any bubbles, folds, or creases forming in the paper. Smooth the tag with your hands to make sure it’s fully attached to the surface of the glass.[4]
    • Once the sticker is in place, don’t try to remove it or reposition it or you’ll damage the tag and the scanner won’t be able to read it.
    • If you stick the tag in the wrong location, you’ll need to get a new one.

Using Your FASTag

  1. Drive through the toll plaza without stopping to use your tag. Don’t stop as you’re driving through a toll plaza that uses the FASTag system to avoid causing delays or traffic, but keep a consistent speed so the scanner reads your tag. The scanner will automatically withdraw your fare from the account linked to your tag so you’re able to breeze through the toll gate.[5]
    • As long as there are funds in your account, you don’t need to stop at the toll gates.
    • If there’s a problem, you’ll be signaled to pull over and a toll plaza operator will assist you.
  2. Add funds to your account using the FASTag app. Your FASTag is linked to an account and funds are taken out of it any time you go through a toll plaza. Download the FASTag app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer and use a credit card, debit card, National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), or Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) to add funds to your account so you’re able to continue using it.[6]
    • You can also add funds to your account by visiting the FASTag website at http://www.fastag.org/.
    • Keep an eye on your balance to make sure it doesn’t get too low.
  3. Purchase replacement tags from an authorized seller. Only licensed sellers such as authorized banks, certain petrol stations, and toll plazas are allowed to sell legitimate FASTags. If your tag gets damaged or the adhesive is no longer able to keep it attached to your windshield, visit an authorized seller to purchase a new one.[7]
  4. Avoid putting tape or another adhesive on the tag. Adding tape or another type of adhesive to your tag to get it to stay on your windshield will affect the way the scanner at the toll plaza reads it. If your tag won’t stay on your windshield, return it to an authorized seller and get a replacement.[8]
    • Even clear tape will prevent the scanner from reading your tag.
    • Glue will warp your tag, making it difficult for the toll plaza scanner to read it.

Tips

  • Take your time when you’re sticking the tag to your windshield! If you make a mistake and have to remove it to reposition it, you’ll need to get a new one from an authorized seller to make sure the scanner can read it.

References