In a significant move aimed at easing the process for millions of drivers, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the discontinuation of the mandatory Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for FASTags. This major reform, set to take effect from February 1, is expected to bring substantial relief to car owners across the country who have faced delays and inconvenience after activating their FASTags.
What Changes for FASTag Users?
The authority stated that for existing FASTags, the KYV process will no longer be a routine requirement. This decision eliminates a significant post-activation step that often caused harassment and delays for highway users, even for those with perfectly valid vehicle documents. The NHAI emphasized that this step is being taken to enhance public convenience and streamline the user experience.
According to an official statement, KYV will now be required only in specific cases where complaints are received. These exceptional cases include issues related to loose FASTags, incorrect issuance, or potential misuse. "In the absence of any complaint, no KYV will be required for existing car FASTags," the NHAI clarified. This shift to a complaint-driven model means the vast majority of users will not have to undergo any additional verification after their tag is activated.
Strengthened Pre-Activation Checks by Banks
To ensure system integrity and accuracy while simplifying the process for end-users, NHAI has simultaneously strengthened the pre-activation validation norms for issuer banks. The focus has now shifted to completing all necessary checks before the FASTag becomes active, preventing future hassles.
The key enhanced norms include:
- Mandatory VAHAN-based validation: FASTag activation will only be permitted after the issuer bank validates the vehicle details from the official VAHAN database.
- No post-activation validation: The earlier provision that allowed validation to occur after activation has been completely discontinued.
- RC-based validation only in exceptional cases: In scenarios where vehicle details are unavailable on VAHAN, banks must validate details using the Registration Certificate (RC) before activation, bearing full accountability for the process.
- Online FASTags covered: Even FASTags sold through online channels will be activated only after complete validation by the banks, ensuring no loopholes.
A Welcome Relief for Lakhs of Road Users
This policy reform is set to benefit lakhs of common road users who regularly use national highways. The previous KYV requirement after activation was a point of friction, causing unnecessary delays and follow-ups. By moving verification entirely upstream, NHAI ensures a smoother journey for customers from purchase to seamless toll plaza passage.
"These measures ensure that all vehicle verification is completed upfront, removing the need for repeated follow-ups with customers after FASTag activation," the NHAI statement concluded. This proactive approach by the highway authority marks a positive step towards user-centric governance and digital convenience in India's transportation ecosystem.
