Planning a road trip? Do not forget these toll payment essentials.

A road trip is one of the most rewarding ways to explore new places, offering flexibility, freedom, and the joy of discovering the journey itself. Whether you are heading to the hills, driving along the coast, or visiting family across states, smooth travel starts long before you hit the highway. One area that deserves your attention is toll payment; something many first-time or occasional travellers tend to overlook.

Here are the things road trippers should keep in mind to ensure stress-free toll payments during their journey.

Active FASTag

Before planning your route, confirm that your vehicle has an active FASTag installed. This small RFID-enabled sticker on the windscreen allows toll charges to be deducted automatically as you pass through toll plazas. With most national highways now accepting only electronic toll payments, a working FASTag is not just convenient, but it is necessary. If you are travelling with a rented or borrowed car, double-check the tag’s balance beforehand.

Buy a FASTag online

If your car does not already have one, you can easily buy FASTag online through authorised bank websites, digital wallets, or transport platforms. The process is simple: upload your vehicle’s registration details, complete KYC, and make the payment. The tag is delivered to your address, ready to be activated and used. Buying it in advance gives you time to link it to a wallet or Bank Account and avoid any last-minute delays.

Recharging before you hit the road

To avoid disruptions during travel, ensure your FASTag has enough balance for the entire trip. You can perform a FASTag recharge using UPI, Debit Card, internet banking, or mobile wallet apps. It is wise to recharge slightly more than the estimated toll expenses to account for unexpected detours or longer routes.

Track and manage expenses on the go.

Many service providers offer mobile apps or web dashboards that allow you to check your toll deductions, recharge history, and tag status in real time. It is useful to keep track of these expenses, especially if you are budgeting for the full trip. These platforms also help you troubleshoot or raise concerns quickly in case of incorrect deductions or technical issues.

Conclusion

Toll management might not be the most exciting part of road trip planning, but it is certainly one of the most important. Take the time to buy a FASTag online and complete your FASTag recharge before the journey to avoid delays or penalties. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your road trip