Skipping tolls on national highways will now attract a penalty of twice the user fee, while non-payment beyond 15 days may lead to restrictions on vehicle-related services.
Under new rules notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, vehicle owners will receive an e-notice for “unpaid user fee” — defined as toll charges recorded through electronic toll collection (ETC) systems but not paid.
As per the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, users who pay within 72 hours of receiving the e-notice will only need to pay the original toll amount without any extra charges. Delays beyond this period will attract higher penalties.
The amendment, now in effect, introduces a structured recovery mechanism and strengthens digital enforcement, especially for barrier-free tolling.
What are the new rules?
The system includes a technology-driven e-notice mechanism. These notices will be sent to registered vehicle owners with details such as vehicle information, date and location of passage, and the amount due.
“These notices may be served through SMS, email, mobile-based applications, or other electronic means, and will also be made available on a designated online portal,” the ministry said.
The rules also provide for integration of the national electronic toll collection system with the VAHAN database to enable seamless vehicle identification and enforcement.
“As per the amendment, the unpaid user fee payable in response to an e-notice shall be twice the applicable toll amount. However, to encourage timely compliance, if the amount is paid within 72 hours of issuance of the e-notice, only the original user fee will be payable without any additional fee,” it said.
A grievance redressal provision allows vehicle owners or drivers to submit a representation through the designated portal within 72 hours of receiving the e-notice.
Such representations must be resolved within five days, failing which the claim for unpaid user fee will lapse. If dues remain unpaid beyond 15 days and no representation is pending, the amount will be recorded in the VAHAN system, and authorities may impose restrictions on vehicle-related services until payment is cleared.
“The amendment will further enhance transparency in toll operations, boosting investor confidence, providing legal and financial safeguards. This amendment marks an important step towards strengthening compliance mechanisms and supporting the transition to a modern, efficient, and barrier-free tolling ecosystem in the country,” the ministry said.
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