In a major relief for non-FASTag users, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a reduction in penalties for vehicles without FASTag, effective November 15, 2025. As per the revised rule, motorists without FASTag will now be required to pay 1.25 times the regular toll fee if they make payments via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), instead of the earlier double toll charge.
Under the new rule, for instance, if the standard toll fee is ₹100 for FASTag users, those without it will now pay ₹125when paying through UPI. Previously, the same would have cost ₹200. However, officials clarified that cash payments will continue to attract double toll fees as a penalty.
The ministry stated that the decision aims to reduce cash transactions at toll plazas and curb revenue leakages. It also seeks to promote the digital payment ecosystem on highways while ensuring smoother traffic flow.
In addition, the government has introduced a new safeguard for FASTag users. If a vehicle has a valid FASTag but the toll system fails to detect it, the motorist will be allowed to pass through without making any payment, thereby increasing accountability among toll operators.
According to official data, FASTag adoption has reached 98% across India’s national highways, reducing the average waiting time at toll plazas from 714 seconds in 2018 to 47 seconds in 2022.
To further encourage usage, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a FASTag Annual Passpriced at ₹3,000, which allows up to 200 trips per year on national highways and expressways. Additionally, users can now port their Annual Pass to a new FASTag in case of damage or malfunction.
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