If you often travel on highways and have faced problems due to a failed or missing FASTag, here’s some good news for you. Starting November 15, 2025, you will no longer have to pay double toll charges if your FASTag doesn’t work. The government has introduced a new rule to give relief to commuters.
What’s the New Rule?
The central government has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. As per the new rule:
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If a vehicle enters a toll plaza without a valid or functional FASTag and pays by cash, it will still be charged double toll.
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However, if the driver pays via UPI, they will be charged only 1.25 times the normal toll fee.
Example
Suppose the toll fee for a vehicle is ₹100:
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With FASTag → You pay ₹100
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With Cash → You pay ₹200 (double)
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With UPI → You pay ₹125
This means UPI users will get a significant relief compared to cash payments.
Why the Change?
The government says the move is aimed at:
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Promoting digital payments
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Reducing cash transactions
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Bringing transparency in toll collection
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Cutting down long queues and traffic jams at toll plazas
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the revised rules will encourage digital payment adoption, make toll operations more transparent, and improve the highway travel experience for commuters.
Benefit for Travelers
This change will particularly benefit drivers whose FASTag doesn’t scan or has expired. Earlier, they had no choice but to pay double the toll. Now, by using UPI, they can save money and avoid unnecessary extra charges.
