- New toll rules begin November 15, 2025, changing fees on National Highways
- Non-FASTag users paying by cash will pay double the toll fee at plazas
- Digital payments without FASTag incur 1.25 times the standard toll fee
From November 15, 2025, road trips across India's National Highways are set to change as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduces a new toll payment structure. The move aims to make highway travel more seamless while reducing cash transactions at toll plazas. The ministry's revised rules create a new, tiered fee structure for vehicles without valid FASTags, encouraging digital payments while maintaining convenience for all types of travellers.
The New Highway Toll Rules Explained
Until now, drivers whose FASTags didn't work - due to low balance, a technical glitch, or simply not having one - had to pay double the standard toll fee, regardless of how they paid.
From November 15, that system will change. Under the revised structure, non-FASTag users who continue to pay by cash will still be charged double the toll amount, but those who choose digital payment methods like UPI or other approved platforms will be charged 1.25 times the normal fee.
For instance, if the toll charge for a vehicle is Rs 100 through FASTag, a driver will now pay Rs 125 when using UPI and Rs 200 when paying in cash.
Why The Change Was Introduced
According to the Ministry's release dated October 4, 2025, the amendment to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 is intended to incentivise digital payments and phase out cash transactions at toll plazas.
The move, the ministry said, will promote transparency in toll operations, cut down waiting times, and enhance the overall experience for highway users.
What Is FASTag
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to make toll payments automatically. The tag is affixed to the windscreen of your vehicle and is linked to a prepaid or savings account, allowing toll fees to be deducted directly without stopping at toll plazas.
How To Get FASTag For Your Car
FASTags can be purchased through authorised banks, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), or digital platforms such as Paytm and Amazon. If linked to a prepaid account, users need to recharge or top up the balance periodically based on usage.
Is FASTag Mandatory For All Vehicles
Yes, according to the SBI FASTag website, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made FASTag mandatory for all class M and N vehicles (four-wheelers and above, carrying passengers or goods) under the amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 1989, effective January 1, 2021.
This means every vehicle using a National Highway toll plaza must have a valid FASTag installed and linked to a payment account.
FASTag Annual Pass: A New Convenience Option
Earlier this year, on August 15, 2025, MoRTH launched the FASTag Annual Pass, a prepaid toll payment solution for private vehicle owners. By paying Rs 3,000 once, drivers can enjoy unlimited access to National Highways and Expressways - either for one year or up to 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first.
The initiative was introduced to simplify highway payments and reduce the hassle of repeated toll deductions for frequent travellers.
The public response has been impressive - more than 1.4 lakh users registered within 24 hours of the launch, and by the end of the fourth day, over five lakh subscriptions had been recorded.
A Smoother Drive Ahead
With the upcoming changes, India's highways are moving one step closer to becoming fully digital. The new toll payment system rewards travellers who choose electronic modes like UPI while continuing to discourage cash payments.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-distance road trip, ensuring your FASTag is active - or being ready with a digital payment option - will make your highway experience faster, cheaper, and hassle-free.
