No FASTag? Think twice! Government changes toll tax rules for vehicles

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The central government has provided significant relief to motorists traveling on national highways without a FASTag or with a faulty one. These motorists will now be exempt from paying double toll tax, provided they make the payment through UPI. The government has announced that this new rule will be implemented nationwide starting November 15, 2025.

The government has amended the National Highway Fee (Determination and Collection of Rates) Rules, 2008. According to the new rule, if a vehicle pays in cash at a toll plaza without a valid FASTag, it will have to pay double (2x) the toll as before. However, if the same vehicle pays via UPI, it will only have to pay 1.25x the toll.

A government statement said that this change is aimed at reducing cash transactions on highways and promoting digital payments. This move will make the toll collection system faster and more transparent. Now, if your FASTag is damaged or you have no balance, you can pay via UPI to avoid additional penalties.

This new rule will significantly benefit motorists. For example, if the normal toll fee is ₹100, until now, one would have to pay ₹200 in cash. However, starting November 15th, payments made through UPI will only cost ₹125, resulting in a direct savings of ₹75. The government aims to gradually make all toll lanes cashless and fully digital, making highway travel even smoother and faster.