[deathwalkr]

My father's car came with IDFC fast tag. Used the IDFC Fast Forward app to load the details and to recharge the tag. Been ok for a year or so and no issues.

Yesterday I got a whatsapp message from IDFC stating that the vehicle registration number has not been mapped to the tag and as such, the tag will be deactivated. Also says to update, "click here". It goes to IDFC fast forward site where I can't see any option to update the number!

No such option in the app as well.

Clueless and frustrated. Any tips?

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by deathwalkr

My father's car came with IDFC fast tag. Used the IDFC Fast Forward app to load the details and to recharge the tag. Been ok for a year or so and no issues.

My guess is that it might be due to KYC. Usually dealer need not do full KYC for new tag but later the bank would have a time frame to get KYC done from customer. I think that's what has happened in your case. Did you talk to customer care? Not sure about IDFC but my tag was from KVB bank (dealer chose some random bank ), I walked into their branch to submit KYC papers along with RC copy and the tag was updated.

[Aviator_guy]

Latest news related to Fastag KYC.

[NPV]

I received this text message and don’t know if it’s related to this move of blacklisting tags when there are more than one for a vehicle.

ICICI Bank FASTag on KAxxxxxxx will be deactivated as you have an active Airtel Payments Bank FASTag. To continue with us, close other bank FASTag.

After selling my car last year, on Nov 18 last year I had applied for tag closure on the ICICI Fastag portal and on Dec 6 it was closed and balance transferred to my bank account, so why would that tag still be linked to the car ? From the message received, I’m assuming that the new owner now has an Airtel payments bank Fastag.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by NPV

I received this text message and don’t know if it’s related to this move of blacklisting tags when there are more than one for a vehicle.

Yes, recent move by MoRTH/IHMCL:

We hope this message finds you well. This is to inform you about an important update regarding the usage of FASTag. We would like to bring to your attention that the most recent FASTag issued on your vehicle will be considered as your active FASTag. In order to streamline and enhance the efficiency of overall FASTag ecosystem all other FASTags if any issued on your vehicle would be discontinued by NPCI. If you have multiple FASTags on a single vehicle we kindly urge you to reach out to your respective Issuer Bank to close any earlier issued FASTags. This will help in avoiding any inconvenience caused and would ensure a smooth experience for all FASTag users. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter. This update is aimed at improving the overall FASTag experience and smooth functioning of the FASTag ecosystem.

[carboy]

Originally Posted by Aviator_guy

Latest news related to Fastag KYC.

So what is the point of this? Is the purpose of Fastag fast movement of toll collection or is tracking people's movement? Why is a KYC required?

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by carboy

So what is the point of this? Is the purpose of Fastag fast movement of toll collection or is tracking people's movement? Why is a KYC required?

It is a kind of financial product involving money, so it needs KYC just like any other financial/bank related product. Also, each vehicle should have unique tag so KYC also ensures no duplication.

[carboy]

Originally Posted by Aviator_guy

It is a kind of financial product involving money, so it needs KYC just like any other financial/bank related product.

First of all, force a the financial product on you - i.e. I have no requirement of a fastag but I still have to have one. And then I have to do KYC also on it.

And it's like a prepaid card. I can buy an Gift card for shops without any kyc & use it. How is this different?

Originally Posted by Aviator_guy

Also, each vehicle should have unique tag so KYC also ensures no duplication.

What would be the problem if a vehicle has 2 tags & I cover one occasionally. Or if I share my tags on alternate days between 2 cars?

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by carboy

Or if I share my tags on alternate days between 2 cars?

Can answer this one!

A FASTag is linked to a unique licence plate number and cannot be used on any other vehicle even if it is the same Class. You may get away for some time, but one day the ANPRS cameras and/or an alert tollbooth operator will catch you and permanently blacklist your vehicle and your tag.

[carboy]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Can answer this one!

A FASTag is linked to a unique licence plate number and cannot be used on any other vehicle even if it is the same Class. You may get away for some time, but one day the ANPRS cameras and/or an alert tollbooth operator will catch you and permanently blacklist your vehicle and your tag.

I am asking what is the problem if someone used it. Why do they want to prohibit it?

[007maverick]

Originally Posted by carboy

I am asking what is the problem if someone used it. Why do they want to prohibit it?

It's a very interesting point that you have highlighted.

Actually there should be no technical reason to marry the Fasttag with Vehicle number. The only explanation could be that in a way it's a financial product. Hence the ownership needs to be specific. Hence they collect KYC data and also the vehicle data iin order to define it as a unique combination in the database of the Fasttag service provider. I am not very sure if it gets communicated to RTO as well.

Through Fasttag - authorities can trace the routes where the vehicle has travelled (by looking into toll payments) in case the need arises This could be the reason they don't allow it for multi usage.

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by carboy

I am asking what is the problem if someone used it. Why do they want to prohibit it?

Originally Posted by 007maverick

It's a very interesting point that you have highlighted.

Actually there should be no technical reason to marry the Fasttag with Vehicle number. The only explanation could be that in a way it's a financial product. Hence the ownership needs to be specific. Hence they collect KYC data and also the vehicle data iin order to define it as a unique combination in the database of the Fasttag service provider. I am not very sure if it gets communicated to RTO as well.

Through Fasttag - authorities can trace the routes where the vehicle has travelled (by looking into toll payments) in case the need arises This could be the reason they don't allow it for multi usage.

This may also help in the explanation.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Bureaucracy digitised.

Infinitely worse than the old kind

[bobbyblr]

I agree that there should be only One FASTag for One Vehicle.

I have the following query for this new KYC requirement for FASTag:

1. Why are they giving just 15 days of deadline to submit the KYC document(s) ? I have 2 cars with FASTag from different payment banks and they have not even sent an email or SMS regarding KYC till now.
2. What are the document(s) that are required for KYC ? How can Aadhaar, PAN Card or Voter's ID related to a vehicle. I know these are for the banking purpose. As one member mentioned, this is just a Top-up card for toll payments.
3. How to submit the KYC document(s) ?

We need to know the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) works in Japan as there will be a device inside the car mounted on the dashboard and separate IC Card. Why didn't Indian toll collection use the system that is used in Japan or Singapore for several years?

[binand]

Originally Posted by bobbyblr

Why are they giving just 15 days of deadline to submit the KYC document(s)?

The KYC requirement for Fastag (indeed, for anything that creates a person-bank relationship) has been in place for decades now.

Originally Posted by bobbyblr

What are the document(s) that are required for KYC ? How can Aadhaar, PAN Card or Voter's ID related to a vehicle.

KYC stands for "Know Your Customer", not "Know Your Customer's Vehicle". Aadhaar, PAN etc. are established methods of doing the identity verification part of KYC (the full process is a lot more extensive).

Originally Posted by bobbyblr

How to submit the KYC document(s)?

Most banks these days offer online / video KYC. You can sit at home and do your KYC within 15 minutes with your Aadhaar. Otherwise just walk into the nearest branch of your bank with Aadhaar/PAN.

Originally Posted by bobbyblr

Why didn't Indian toll collection use the system that is used in Japan or Singapore for several years?

I'm not sure how it works in Japan or Singapore. But in India, the toll collection system has to integrate hundreds of banks, several government agencies (and private companies), maybe thousands of toll concessionaires, involve vehicle owners with differing constraints, with many different toll rules for return trip / local resident / monthly pass / exemptions etc.

Also Fastag has been around for 8+ years now. If there was a time to suggest alternatives that was back in 2010-2014 when the pilot was being done.

Lastly, how does it matter whether it is an RFID tag or a dash-mounted device?