VEP Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If Your Tag Doesn’t Scan

You pull up to the gantry, full of hope, but the barrier stays down. The car behind you inches closer. It’s a situation every cross-border driver dreads. A non-scanning VEP RFID tag can be frustrating, but there is always a logical reason and a clear path forward.

• Stay Calm and Don't Reverse: The most important thing is to stay put and remain calm. Do not try to reverse, as it is dangerous and will cause more confusion.
• Wait for Assistance: An officer will notice the delay and come to assist you. They are equipped with handheld scanners to try and read your tag manually.
• Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the officer. They will guide you on what to do next, whether it's proceeding after a manual scan or directing you to an inspection lane.

Once you are through, it's crucial to understand why the scan failed to prevent it from happening again. It's usually one of these four reasons:

• Invalid VEP Status: This is the most common culprit. Your VEP might be inactive because your insurance has expired, your application is still pending, or other data is missing. The system checks your VEP status in real-time.
• Insufficient eWallet Balance: Your tag may have scanned perfectly, but if your linked Touch 'n Go eWallet is empty, the payment will fail, and the barrier won't lift.
• Damaged Tag: Check your tag for any visible peeling, deep scratches, or bubbling. Any physical damage can break the internal antenna.
• Incorrect Placement: The tag might be installed in a location that blocks the signal, such as behind heavy window tint or too close to your car's metal frame.

Our entire service is designed to proactively prevent these troubleshooting nightmares.

Frequently Asked Questions