NHAI directs FASTag issuer banks to validate vehicle registration numbers ahead of Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling
The National Highways Authority of India directed all FASTag issuer banks on 15 April 2026 to validate the vehicle registration numbers linked to their FASTags and blacklist tags linked to incorrect or invalid numbers.
Summary
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed all FASTag issuer banks to immediately validate the Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRNs) linked to FASTags they issued, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said on 15 April 2026. The step follows complaints that the VRN read by FASTag readers did not match the number plate on the vehicle. NHAI said many mismatches involve FASTags issued before FASTag issuance was integrated with the VAHAN database, when validation was largely manual. Banks must blacklist FASTags found linked to incorrect or invalid VRNs. NHAI said accurate VRN mapping is critical for Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, under which e-Notices to non-compliant vehicles will depend on verified vehicle identification; mismatches may also attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Key facts
- Directed by
- NHAI, to all FASTag issuer banks
- Action
- Validate VRNs; blacklist FASTags with incorrect/invalid VRNs
- Cause of mismatches
- Many FASTags issued before integration with VAHAN
- Linked to
- Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling and e-Notices
- Law cited
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Practice MCQs 2 questions
NHAI said many FASTag–number plate mismatches involve FASTags issued before FASTag issuance was integrated with which database?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — VAHAN
NHAI said many mismatches relate to FASTags issued before integration with the VAHAN database, when validation was largely manual.
Consider the following statements about NHAI's April 2026 FASTag directive: 1. FASTag issuer banks must blacklist FASTags found linked to incorrect or invalid vehicle registration numbers. 2. Under Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling, e-Notices to non-compliant vehicles will depend on accurate vehicle identification data. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the NHAI release.