In a major step to improve public convenience and end post-activation difficulties faced by highway users, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to discontinue the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for cars under the Car/Jeep/Van category FASTag. The change will apply to all new FASTag issuances from 1 February 2026. The reform is expected to bring significant relief to millions of road users who have faced inconvenience and delays after FASTag activation due to post-issuance KYV requirements, despite submitting valid vehicle documents at the time of purchase. For existing FASTags already issued to cars, KYV will no longer be required as a routine process. It will be carried out only in specific cases where complaints are received, including issues related to loose FASTags, incorrect issuance or misuse. In the absence of any such complaint, no KYV will be mandated for existing car FASTags. At the same time, NHAI has introduced stronger pre-activation safeguards to ensure accuracy, compliance and system integrity while simplifying the experience for users. Under the revised framework, FASTag activation will be permitted only after mandatory validation of vehicle details through the VAHAN database. The earlier provision that allowed validation after activation has been withdrawn. In exceptional cases where vehicle details are not available on VAHAN, issuer banks will be required to validate information using the vehicle’s registration certificate before activation, with full accountability. FASTags sold through online channels will also be activated only after complete verification by issuer banks. By ensuring that all vehicle validation is completed upfront, these measures eliminate the need for repeated follow-ups with customers after FASTag activation. NHAI said the reforms reflect its continued commitment to building a citizen-friendly, transparent and technology-driven FASTag ecosystem, while strengthening compliance and reducing grievances. By placing full responsibility for validation on issuer banks before activation, the authority aims to deliver a smoother and hassle-free experience for national highway users.