Double Charges For Missing Payment Within 72 Hours At Barrier-Less Tolls

As India moves towards barrier-less tolling, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a public clarification on how the MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) toll system works, and why motorists may sometimes end up paying double the toll amount. The explanation comes amid rising adoption of MLFF corridors, where toll booths are removed entirely, and vehicles pass through without stopping.

While the system is designed to make highway travel faster and smoother, NHAI says drivers must remain alert, as missed or failed FASTag payments can trigger penalties if not resolved in time.

MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) tolling enables barrier-less National Highway travel through automated FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection system.
If the toll payment is missed or unsuccessful, an e-Notice will be issued.#KnowYourENotice
✅ Pay within 72 hours to avoid double… pic.twitter.com/UnlO0c59G8

— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) May 2, 2026

What Is Barrier-Less Tolling Under MLFF System?

The MLFF System enables seamless toll collection through an automated FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection setup. Instead of physical barriers or toll booths, cameras and sensors mounted on overhead gantries automatically detect vehicles, read FASTags, and deduct toll charges electronically as vehicles pass through at cruising speeds.

This setup eliminates congestion, reduces travel time, and improves fuel efficiency. However, because there is no physical checkpoint, toll compliance relies entirely on FASTag status, balance availability, and correct vehicle identification.

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Why You May Receive e-Notice?

According to NHAI, an e-Notice is issued when:

• A vehicle crosses an MLFF toll point
• The FASTag payment is missed, unsuccessful, or not detected

In such cases, the system records the passage and generates an electronic notice linked to the vehicle's registration details. This notice is issued digitally and serves as an opportunity for the vehicle owner to clear the pending toll without penalty, within a limited time window.

Pay Within 72 Hours To Avoid Double Charges

NHAI has clearly stated that motorists must pay the pending toll within 72 hours of the e-Notice being issued.

• Payment within 72 hours: Normal toll amount (1x)
• Payment after 72 hours: Double the toll amount (2x)

This is why some users may see higher deductions later, the penalty is applied not for using the MLFF road, but for failing to clear the missed toll in time.

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How to Check & Pay Your MLFF e-Notice

Motorists can check and settle pending MLFF toll notices through the official NIC portal: https://nhfeenotice.parivahan.gov.in

To access the details:

• Log in using the vehicle number
• Verify with an OTP sent to the mobile number registered on VAHAN
• View the e-Notice and complete payment online
• NHAI advises motorists to rely only on the official NIC portal for payments and information.

What If You Have Grievances?

If a vehicle owner believes the e-Notice has been issued incorrectly, NHAI allows users to raise a grievance within 72 hours of notice issuance through the same NIC portal. Prompt action is crucial, as unresolved cases may still attract penalties once the deadline lapses.

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How to Avoid Double Charges?

To ensure smooth MLFF travel, NHAI recommends:

• Keeping FASTag active at all times
• Maintaining sufficient balance in the FASTag wallet
• Ensuring the vehicle uses a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP)
• Regularly checking for notifications linked to the registered mobile number

Bigger Picture

Barrier-less tolling through the MLFF System is a major step towards modernising India's highway infrastructure. However, as NHAI's clarification highlights, driver awareness and digital compliance are just as important as technology. Paying attention to FASTag status and acting quickly on e-Notices can help motorists enjoy faster highways, without paying more than they should.