If you often travel on highways and have faced trouble at toll plazas due to a failed or invalid FASTag, there’s good news for you. Starting November 15, 2025, you won’t have to pay double toll charges if your FASTag doesn’t work. The government has introduced a new rule that brings big relief for drivers.
What’s the New Rule?
The central government has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. Under the new system:
If a vehicle enters a toll plaza without a valid or functional FASTag and pays in cash, the driver will still have to pay double toll charges.
But if the driver pays via UPI, then only 1.25 times the normal toll fee will be charged instead of double.
Example
Suppose the normal toll fee is ₹100:
With FASTag → You pay ₹100.
With Cash (if FASTag fails) → You pay ₹200.
With UPI (if FASTag fails) → You pay only ₹125.
So, UPI users will now save money compared to cash payments.
Why This Change?
The government says this rule aims to:
Promote digital payments.
Reduce cash transactions at tolls.
Improve transparency in toll collection.
Cut down on long queues and traffic jams at toll plazas.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the revised rule will make toll operations more transparent and enhance the travel experience for highway users.
Benefits for Travelers
This update will especially help those drivers whose FASTag fails to scan or has expired. Earlier, they had no choice but to pay double toll charges. Now, with UPI, they can settle the payment at a much lower rate.
