Planning to rent a self-drive car in Delhi for your next trip? Before you start your journey, it would pay to brush up on the mechanics of FASTag and toll fees that apply to rental vehicles. One of the primary problems facing rental car drivers does not know about tolls. The less confused you are, the better it is for you since it will prevent you from facing sudden cuts, as well as waiting time at the tollbooths.
What Is FASTag and Why Does It Matter?
FASTag is a prepaid RFID sticker that is attached to a car, which enables toll fee deductions by automated vehicles on national and state road systems without the car driver's need to stop to pay the toll. As per the rule, only a registered and valid FASTag will be permitted to move through the tollbooth of India, including those that rental cars share. So, your rental car with a FASTag already fitted will be your only means of traveling on national highways when you rent a self-drive car in Delhi to visit places such as Agra, Jaipur, or Manali.
How FASTag Works with Rental Cars
The FASTag in rent-a-cars is registered in the name of the rental company and is connected to the company's bank or their prepaid wallet. So toll charges are directly deducted, and the rental service has to pay them themselves. Still, as the renter, you probably won't be exempt from tolls. Many rental arrangements will transfer the toll charges from the rental car company to the customer via two main modes:
- Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) - Toll charges incurred during your rental period get charged to you after returning the car by referencing the FASTag transaction data.
- Deduction from deposit - A portion of the rental refundable security deposit is used to settle the amount of toll.
Be sure to find out the correct method applicable with your rental provider prior to your departure.
Common Toll-Related Charges to Know
- Toll plaza charges: Regular toll costs for highways and expressways which depend on the category of the car and the distance covered.
- State entry tax: Car registered in another state is taxed an additional entry fee by some states, besides being collected through Fastag at times.
Why This Matters for a Smooth Trip
- Verify the Fasttag status prior to leaving. Make sure that the rental company's staff confirms the Fasttag is in working condition and has money especially for long-distance road tripping.
- If the rental company offers it, keep your toll receipt or allow the toll tracking app to be kept active, thereby enabling you to verify your toll charges later through cross-checking.
- Request from your rental company an estimate of the toll charges for the route planned they are mostly equipped to give you an idea of the cost based on the distance and the highways used.
- Look at your final bill thoroughly. You expect the toll charges being levied are based on the roads you have actually traveled; immediately ask about any discrepancies.
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