Road trips are synonymous with freedom, adventure, and the open road. Whether you’re heading to the hills, the beach, or a long-lost friend’s house, there’s nothing like the thrill of a road trip. However, one key aspect that can amplify or dampen your journey is the efficiency of your FASTag. Ensuring its functionality before hitting the road is crucial in avoiding unwarranted toll delays and penalties. Let’s delve deeper into how you can check FASTag status instantly and why it’s a must-do before your adventures.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India, operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it. The tag is typically affixed on the windscreen of your vehicle, allowing for automatic deduction of toll charges and enabling you to drive through toll plazas without stopping for transactions. To ensure seamless travel, you can check FASTag status periodically to confirm sufficient balance and active status of your FASTag.
Why Check Your FASTag Status?
Checking the status of your FASTag is pivotal for a seamless travel experience. Here’s why:
- Avoid Unnecessary Delays: A faulty or inactive FASTag can cause unwanted delays at toll plazas, ruining your trip’s schedule.
- Prevent Fines and Penalties: Using an inactive or insufficiently funded FASTag might lead to fines.
- Smooth and Contactless Experience: In the current era of COVID-19, a fully functional FASTag offers a contactless toll experience.
How to Check FASTag Status Instantly?
Ensuring your FASTag is in good standing is straightforward with a few simple steps. Here’s how you can do it instantly:
Via the Issuing Bank’s Website or Mobile App
Most banks issuing FASTags have specific sections on their websites or dedicated mobile apps to check the FASTag status. The steps usually involve:
- Log in: Access the login page and enter your credentials.
- Navigate to FASTag Services: Look for the FASTag section under services or accounts.
- Check Balance and Status: You can see the current balance and the status of your FASTag.
SMS Alerts
Banks provide SMS alerts on your registered mobile number for transactions related to FASTag. You can review recent SMS to ascertain the FASTag’s balance and status.
Customer Care
Another simple method is to call the bank’s customer care number. The representative can quickly inform you about your FASTag status after verifying your details.
NHAI Wallet
For FASTag issued by NHAI, you can check the status through their dedicated portals or by logging into your account on the NHAI wallet.
Online Portals
Other third-party online portals like Paytm, Airtel Payments Bank, or the MyFASTag app also offer FASTag status checks in a user-friendly manner.
FASTag for New Car: A Smart Move
If you’ve just bought a new car and are gearing up for its maiden voyage, getting a FASTag should be on the top of your checklist. Here’s why:
Convenience
With a FASTag, you bypass the long queues at toll plazas, ensuring a smooth ride from start to finish.
Seamless Transactions
FASTag enables automatic toll payments directly linked to your bank account, eliminating the need to carry cash or card for toll payments.
Nationwide Applicability
A single FASTag is sufficient for passing through all toll plazas in India affiliated with NHAI, offering nationwide convenience.
Incentives
Often, banks and the NHAI provide discounted toll rates or cashback offers for FASTag users, which adds to significant savings over time.
Environmental Impact
By reducing idling time at toll booths, FASTag contributes to conserving fuel and minimizing vehicular emissions.
How to Get FASTag for Your New Car?
Getting a FASTag for new car is a simple process that you can manage either online or offline. Here’s a brief rundown on how to go about it:
Visit a Bank Branch
Visit any participating bank branch with your KYC documents. The bank will issue and affix the FASTag on your vehicle’s windscreen.
Online Purchase
You can buy FASTag online through the issuer’s website, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, or payment apps like Paytm. Once purchased, the tag can be self-affixed on your vehicle’s windscreen.
Dealer Assistance
In many cases, car dealers provide the service of issuing a FASTag when you purchase a new vehicle. They get it done seamlessly during the car purchase process itself.
FASTag Point of Sales (POS)
FASTag can also be acquired from toll plazas themselves where POS terminals have been set up for easy issuance.
Important Points to Remember
- Adequate Balance: Ensure your FASTag account is adequately funded before embarking on your trip to avoid usage issues.
- Grace Period: Some banks provide a grace period for recharging. However, it’s best to keep your tag sufficiently funded.
- Linking Right Details: Make sure your FASTag is linked to the correct vehicle registration number and your contact details are up to date. You can easily manage these details through the Bajaj Finserv APP, ensuring a hassle-free toll payment experience.
In conclusion, checking FASTag status and ensuring its functionality before starting your next road trip can dramatically enhance your travel experience by offering convenience, speed, and efficiency. For new car owners, obtaining and activating a FASTag is a wise move to enjoy a hassle-free toll payment process. Make it a regular pre-trip ritual, and hit the road with confidence, knowing that no toll booth will thwart your journey. Safe travels!
