By Kavita Mistry 
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has simplified the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for FASTag users after widespread complaints over its complexity and user-unfriendly implementation. The move, announced by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), comes as part of NHAI’s efforts to improve customer experience and prevent misuse of FASTags without causing inconvenience to genuine users.
Why KYV Was Introduced
The KYV verification was first rolled out in late 2024 as a nationwide compliance requirement aimed at curbing fraudulent FASTag use. Several instances had emerged where tags meant for cars were used on heavy vehicles to evade higher toll charges. Others reportedly carried loose FASTags in wallets or pockets, using them interchangeably across multiple vehicles. To “sanitize” the system and enforce the one-vehicle-one-tag rule, the government made KYV mandatory. Users were required to upload their vehicle registration certificate, front and side photographs of the vehicle, and FASTag details — a process that quickly drew criticism for being cumbersome and error-prone.
Public Backlash Over Cumbersome Verification
In practice, the KYV rollout left many vehicle owners frustrated. Users complained of confusing instructions, app crashes, and being stopped at toll plazas because their FASTags had been suddenly deactivated for “non-compliance.” Some motorists reported having to upload photos and documents on the spot just to continue their journey, questioning the government’s claims of “ease of travel.”
Even officials admitted that the backend systems handling such massive data submissions were not fully prepared. The lack of uniformity across bank apps and the absence of clear helpline support compounded the chaos.
Simplified Rules Announced
Responding to these concerns, NHAI has now overhauled the process to make it faster and simpler. Side photographs of cars, jeeps, and vans will no longer be needed—only a front image showing the number plate and FASTag must be uploaded. The system will automatically fetch vehicle details from the VAHAN database once users input their vehicle number, chassis number, or mobile number.
For users with multiple vehicles linked to one mobile number, the system will allow easy selection of the desired vehicle. Moreover, existing FASTags issued before the KYV mandate will remain active unless specific misuse complaints arise.
Better Support and User Protection
Banks have been instructed not to deactivate tags abruptly. Instead, they must send SMS reminders and proactively assist customers in completing KYV verification. NHAI has also asked banks to contact users directly in case of upload issues and to ensure uninterrupted service continuity. Users can raise queries or complaints on the National Highway Helpline (1033) for any KYV-related issues.
Towards a Seamless Future
Officials emphasized that the goal remains to build a robust, fraud-free FASTag ecosystem, particularly as India prepares to roll out Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling—an advanced system where vehicles will pass toll plazas without stopping. Simplifying KYV, they said, was crucial to maintaining trust among millions of highway users while keeping digital tolling secure and efficient.