The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced new rules for FASTag toll payments to streamline traffic movement and ensure better compliance. If you’re someone who travels regularly on national highways, this new rule directly affects how you pay tolls, the penalties for violations, and even how technology is used during your journey.
In simple terms, the government is now making it mandatory for all vehicles to have an active FASTag. There are also changes in toll charges and stricter penalties for not following the rules. Whether you’re using a car, truck, or commercial vehicle, it’s important to know what’s new so that your journey stays smooth and hassle-free.
What’s the New Rule All About?
Under the new directive by MoRTH, toll collection through FASTag is now more regulated and efficient. Here’s what’s changed:
- Vehicles without a valid FASTag will be charged double toll fees.
- Real-time toll deduction is now enabled through upgraded software.
- A geo-fencing alert system will notify drivers when they are near a toll plaza.
- Vehicles with insufficient FASTag balance may not be allowed to enter toll booths.
- Over 300 national highways now have revised toll rates.
These changes are part of the government’s aim to go fully digital, cutting down manual errors and reducing congestion at toll gates.
Key Features of the New Toll System
- FASTag is now compulsory for all types of vehicles—private and commercial.
- Penalty charges have doubled for blacklisted or inactive FASTags.
- Users will receive instant notifications about toll deductions via SMS or mobile apps.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is being used at several toll booths.
- Toll charges have been updated across various major highways.
Updated Toll Charges Across Key Highways
Here’s a look at the revised toll rates:
| Highway Name | Vehicle Type | Old Rate | New Rate | No FASTag Penalty | Free Return Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-Meerut E-Way | Car/Jeep/Van | ₹155 | ₹165 | ₹330 | 24 Hours |
| Mumbai-Pune Expressway | Light Commercial | ₹270 | ₹290 | ₹580 | 12 Hours |
| Lucknow-Agra Expressway | Car/Jeep | ₹600 | ₹620 | ₹1240 | 24 Hours |
| Eastern Peripheral | Truck (HCV) | ₹550 | ₹580 | ₹1160 | 12 Hours |
| Yamuna Expressway | SUV/MUV | ₹415 | ₹435 | ₹870 | 24 Hours |
| Hyderabad-Vijayawada | Car/Van | ₹120 | ₹130 | ₹260 | 24 Hours |
| Bengaluru-Mysuru | Car/Jeep | ₹90 | ₹100 | ₹200 | 24 Hours |
| Jaipur-Delhi | LCV | ₹225 | ₹240 | ₹480 | 12 Hours |
Note: Rates may vary slightly based on toll booth and vehicle weight.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Valid FASTag?
If your FASTag is expired, blacklisted, or has low balance, here’s what you can face:
- Double toll charges at the plaza.
- Vehicle stoppage until you recharge or activate your FASTag.
- Possible legal action for repeated violations under highway laws.
How to Avoid This:
- Make sure your FASTag is linked to your mobile and vehicle.
- Keep enough balance, especially before long trips.
- Check your FASTag status using the bank’s app or the NHAI portal.
New Digital Features to Help Users
To make things more user-friendly and transparent, several tools have been launched:
- Geo-Fence Alerts: Alerts you when you’re nearing a toll booth.
- SMS Updates: Toll deductions and balance alerts sent directly to your phone.
- Mobile App Dashboards: Easy access to transaction history and recharge options.
- Voice Notifications: Especially useful for visually impaired users or those using Bluetooth while driving.
FASTag Violation Penalty Guide
| Violation Type | Penalty | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| No FASTag at Toll | Double toll charge | Get FASTag and recharge |
| Low Balance | Denied entry or double fee | Recharge immediately |
| Tampered FASTag | ₹5000 fine/legal action | Legal steps; FASTag may be blacklisted |
| Expired FASTag | Denied entry + double toll | Renew FASTag |
| Duplicate FASTag | Permanent blacklisting | Apply for a new FASTag |
| Blocking Lane | Up to ₹1000 + towing | Clear lane immediately |
How to Recharge or Activate FASTag Easily
- Use apps like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, or your bank’s app.
- Enable auto-recharge by linking your FASTag to your bank account.
- Some banks offer SMS-based recharge options.
- The NHAI FASTag App allows for recharges, checking status, and solving issues.
Make sure your vehicle registration and ID proof are correctly linked in the system to avoid any delays.
Why This Change Was Introduced
The new rules were brought in for several reasons:
- Many vehicle owners were ignoring FASTag requirements.
- Manual toll collection led to long delays and human errors.
- The system needed more transparency and automation.
- Staff workload and operational costs needed reduction.
With more than 7.5 crore users, the government believes this digital shift is the way forward.
Benefits of Following the New FASTag Rules
- Faster travel without the need to stop.
- No extra charges if your FASTag is active.
- Clear records through instant alerts and notifications.
- Stay legal by avoiding fines and violations.
The new FASTag rules are meant to make your journey easier, quicker, and more efficient. As a responsible driver, it’s important to stay updated, keep your FASTag active, and follow the latest toll guidelines. It not only saves your time and money but also ensures smoother traffic across highways in India.