Highway toll rules in India are getting stricter.
The central government has updated the National Highway Fee Rules, 2026, which will come into effect on March 17, 2026.
The biggest change? An e-notice system for toll violations.
This means if a vehicle leaves a toll plaza without paying, or if the toll is only partially paid, the owner will receive a digital notice.
Pay late, and the toll could double.
Understanding the “Unpaid User Fee”
The government has introduced a new term called “unpaid user fee.”
This covers any toll recorded electronically but not paid.
Unpaid fees can happen for several reasons:
Low balance in your Fastag
Failed transactions
Skipping a toll plaza
The new e-notice system is designed to prevent errors and ensure every toll is collected correctly.
How the E-Notice Works
If you have an outstanding toll, an e-notice will be sent directly to you via SMS, email, mobile app, or other digital channels.
It will include:
Vehicle details
Toll transaction history
Amount due
You can also view this notice on an online portal linked to your vehicle.
72-Hour Payment Window
The rules give vehicle owners 72 hours to pay the toll after receiving the e-notice.
Pay within this period, and you only owe the original amount. Pay later, and the toll amount will double.
Action After 15 Days
If the toll remains unpaid for 15 days and no complaint is filed, the unpaid fee is recorded in the vehicle database.
This could lead to a suspension of certain vehicle-related services until the payment is made.
Option to File a Complaint
Vehicle owners can challenge an e-notice if they believe it was sent in error.
Complaints can be filed via the online portal within 72 hours.
The government must resolve the issue in five days, or the case will be closed.
Why the Government Introduced This
The goal is to make toll collection transparent and accurate.
This system ensures every trip recorded digitally is properly paid for.
In the long run, the government plans to move to barrier-free tolls and GPS-based toll systems.
The e-notice system is an important first step toward modernizing toll collection and preventing revenue loss.
