New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS): The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification making a FASTag mandatory for all four-wheeler vehicles from January 1, 2021.

Accordingly, the ministry took the decision via amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

"It may be stated that this notification would be a major step for ensuring that the payment of fees be 100 per cent at 'Toll Plazas' through the 'Electronic Means' only and that the vehicles pass seamlessly through the 'Fee Plazas'," the ministry said in a statement.

"The steps for ensuring the availablity of FASTag at multiple channels are being made through physical locations and also through online mechanism so that the citizens are able to have them affixed at their vehicles within the next two months at their convenience."

Since December 1, 2017, the FASTag has been made mandatory for all registration of new four wheeled vehicles and is being supplied by the manufacturers or dealers.

It has been further mandated that a valid FASTag is mandatory while getting a new 3rd Party Insurance. This provision shall be applicable from April 1, 2021.