If you often drive on highways, this news is important. Starting November 15th, Fastag rules will change, and these changes will directly affect drivers at toll plazas.
The central government has announced that vehicles entering toll plazas without a valid FASTag will have to pay double the toll fee if paying in cash.
However, drivers paying through UPI (Unified Payment Interface) will get some relief.
Who Gets Relief?
Vehicles without a valid Fastag can pay using UPI, but in that case, the toll fee will be 1.25 times the normal amount.
This change is part of an amendment to the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
The goal is to reduce cash transactions on highways and encourage digital payments.
Simple Example:
If the normal toll through Fastag is Rs 100, then:
Cash payment without Fastag: Rs 200
UPI payment without Fastag: Rs 125
The new rule aims to speed up traffic, make toll collection transparent, and encourage commuters to adopt digital payments.
What is Fastag?
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
It uses RFID technology to automatically deduct toll fees, allowing vehicles to pass toll plazas without stopping.
Since 2021, Fastags have been mandatory for vehicles, and their use has been gradually expanded.
The new rule is expected to reduce cash payments further while benefiting digital payment users.
Annual Pass Option
On August 15th, 2025, NHAI launched a FASTag-based annual pass.
This prepaid pass allows seamless travel on national highways without needing to recharge the Fastag repeatedly.
Price: Rs 3000
Applicable for: Non-commercial private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans)
This pass makes highway travel easier and more convenient for regular commuters.
