The National Highways Authority of India has ordered all FASTag-issuing banks to validate the vehicle registration numbers (VRNs) linked to FASTags. Additionally, banks have been directed to blacklist FASTags that are linked to incorrect or invalid registration numbers. The move follows complaints of cases where the VRN captured by FASTag readers did not match the vehicle’s number plate.
- Mismatch issue seen with older FASTags before they were linked to Vahan database
- This can affect toll collection and enforcement: NHAI
Such mismatches can affect toll collection and enforcement, and may even lead to loss of government revenue. In some cases, it could also attract penalties under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act.
Data accuracy vital for law enforcement
| AU Small Finance Bank | FINO Payments Bank | Nagpur Nagrik Sahakari Bank |
| Axis Bank | HDFC Bank | PAYTM Bank |
| Bajaj Finance | ICICI Bank | Punjab Maharashtra and Co-operative Bank |
| Bank of Baroda | IDBI Bank | Punjab National Bank |
| Bank of Maharashtra | IDFC First Bank | Saraswat Co-operative Bank |
| Canara Bank | Indian Overseas Bank | South Indian Bank |
| Central Bank of India | Indusind Bank | State Bank of India |
| City Union Bank | Karur Vysya Bank | UCO Bank |
| Equitas Small Finance Bank | Kotak Mahindra Bank | Union Bank of India |
| Federal Bank | LivQuik Technology (India) | Yes Bank |
| Airtel Payments Bank | – | – |
*As per National Electronic Toll Collection on April 16.
NHAI stated many of these issues are linked to older FASTags issued before they were connected to the Vahan database, when checks were relatively limited and relied more on manual processes. This becomes especially important with upcoming systems like Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, where accurate vehicle data will be key for issuing e-notices to rule violators.
