Toll Tax New Rule: New rules regarding toll plazas and FASTags will not be implemented immediately in these 5 states..
FASTag and Toll Tax New Rules: Across the country, cashless payments and the mandatory FASTag rule at toll plazas came into effect on April 10, 2026; however, this change has not yet been implemented in certain states. Following this decision by the Central Government, toll taxes on all National Highways nationwide are now being collected exclusively through digital platforms such as FASTag or UPI. Nevertheless, this change has not been implemented in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal, nor in the Union Territory of Puducherry, as the Model Code of Conduct remains in force in these regions due to ongoing electoral processes.
**New Payment Rules at Toll Plazas**
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, if a vehicle driver attempts to make a payment at a toll plaza without a FASTag or an electronic toll collection system, they will be required to pay an amount 25 percent higher than the prescribed fee. The objective of this measure is to reduce congestion at toll plazas and ensure the seamless movement of vehicles. The FASTag system facilitates faster payments, thereby mitigating issues related to long queues and traffic jams; furthermore, violations of these regulations may also result in punitive action being taken under relevant statutory provisions.
**Rule Not Yet Applicable in These 5 States**
The government has taken a significant step toward enhancing efficiency and transparency in toll collection. Across all National Highway toll plazas nationwide, all user fee payments can now be made through digital mediums such as FASTag or the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). However, this change has not been implemented in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal, nor in the Union Territory of Puducherry, as the Model Code of Conduct remains in force in these regions due to ongoing electoral processes.
**Payment Required If You Do Not Have a FASTag**
If a vehicle does not have a FASTag, or if the existing FASTag is not active, the driver will be provided with the facility to make the payment via UPI; however, in such instances, the driver will be required to pay an additional toll amount. Payments made via UPI will incur a charge that is 25% higher than the standard toll fee. Consequently, if the standard toll fee is ₹100, a driver making the payment via UPI will be required to pay ₹125.
FASTag Annual Pass
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), vehicle owners will now be required to pay ₹3,075 for an annual pass, instead of the previous rate of ₹3,000. This new rate will come into effect for the financial year 2026-27. This pass applies to private (non-commercial) vehicles equipped with a valid and active FASTag. While the new rate for the annual toll pass will apply to the financial year 2026-27, vehicle owners may also be issued an e-notice for violating regulations at toll plazas. Any applicable fines must be paid within three days.
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