FASTag is India's electronic toll-collection sticker: an RFID tag fixed to the windscreen that automatically deducts toll charges from a linked prepaid wallet or bank account as you pass through plazas. It has been mandatory for all four-wheelers since February 2021, and every new car sold in India comes with a FASTag issued at the dealership.
How it works
A scanner at the toll plaza reads the tag, deducts the fare and lifts the barrier — no cash, no waiting. The tag is linked to your vehicle registration number and must stay adequately recharged; a vehicle without a valid FASTag pays double the toll in FASTag lanes, and cash lanes are being phased out at national highway plazas. Banks and apps like the NHAI's own platform let you recharge and check balance.
The annual pass
For private cars, NHAI offers an optional FASTag annual pass — priced at ₹3,075 for FY 2026-27 — covering 200 toll-plaza crossings on national highways or one year, whichever comes first. Frequent highway commuters can cut their effective cost per crossing to a fraction of standard rates; occasional drivers are better off with normal pay-per-use. It activates on your existing FASTag via the Rajmarg Yatra app, and remains entirely optional.
Why it matters when buying
FASTag is a small line in your on-road price breakup — typically a few hundred rupees covering the tag fee, security deposit and initial balance. Make sure the dealer actually activates it and links it to your bank or wallet before delivery, or your first highway trip ends at a barrier that won't open.