A big change is coming for people who travel on national highways. From 15 November 2025, anyone passing through a toll plaza without a valid FASTag will have to pay double the toll fee if they choose to pay in cash. The new rule has been announced to promote digital toll collection and reduce long queues at toll plazas.
What Has Changed in the New Toll Rules?
Under the updated policy, vehicles without FASTag will face higher charges. If a driver pays in cash, the toll fee becomes 2 times the normal rate. If the driver pays through UPI or other digital methods, the toll will be charged at 1.25 times the regular amount. Vehicles with valid FASTag will continue to pay the standard toll rates without any additional charges.
Why FASTag Is Now Almost Compulsory
The government wants to make tolling completely seamless and digital. FASTag already covers most vehicles in India, but some users still depend on cash payments, causing congestion at plazas. The new rule aims to encourage more people to use FASTag, speed up toll processing, reduce cash handling and improve highway traffic flow. Digital tolling also ensures transparent and accurate toll deductions.
What Drivers Should Do Before November 15
Travellers should check whether their FASTag is active, linked to the correct vehicle and has sufficient balance. If you do not have a FASTag yet, it is advisable to get one from any authorised bank or toll plaza before the new rules start. If you continue without FASTag, be prepared to pay double toll in cash or more than the regular fee through UPI.
How the New Rules Affect Your Travel Cost
If you frequently travel on highways, driving without FASTag will significantly increase your fuel and travel expenses. For example, a toll of ₹100 will become ₹200 for cash users and ₹125 for digital payments without FASTag. Over long journeys, the cost can multiply quickly, making FASTag the most affordable option for regular travellers.
Impact on Traffic and Toll Plazas
The new rules are expected to reduce traffic build-up and waiting times at toll booths. FASTag lanes will move faster, and cash lanes will be used only for emergency cases or vehicles with malfunctioning tags. The change supports India’s shift toward fully automated tolling and future implementation of GPS-based toll systems.
Conclusion: From 15 November 2025, cash users without FASTag will be charged double toll fees, while UPI users will pay slightly more than the normal rate. To avoid extra costs and delays, motorists should ensure they have an active FASTag before travelling on national highways. The new system promotes digital payments and aims to make toll collection faster, smoother and more efficient.
Disclaimer: Toll charges and enforcement rules may vary by plaza. Always check official NHAI notifications for the latest updates.
