The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced new toll plaza rules that will take effect from November 15, 2025. These rules aim to promote digital toll payments and discourage cash transactions. However, if you make one mistake — paying without a valid FASTag — you could end up paying double the toll amount.
What Is Changing from November 15?
Starting November 15, vehicles without a valid or active FASTag will face strict penalties. The government has introduced a tiered payment rule for toll plazas across national highways:
- Without FASTag (Cash Payment): You will be charged double (2×) the regular toll fee.
- Without FASTag (UPI or QR Payment): You will pay 1.25× the regular toll.
- With Active FASTag: You continue to pay the normal toll amount with no extra charge.
This new system aims to eliminate cash delays, speed up traffic movement, and ensure a transparent toll collection process across India.
Why the Change?
The government’s digital-first initiative is designed to:
- Reduce congestion and long queues at toll plazas.
- Encourage electronic payments through FASTag or UPI.
- Minimize cash handling and errors in toll collection.
- Ensure faster, safer, and more efficient highway operations.
According to the Ministry, over 98% of toll collection is already done through FASTag, and this update will bring the remaining users into the digital system.
How to Avoid Paying Double Toll
If you want to avoid paying extra charges, follow these simple steps:
- Check Your FASTag Status: Ensure your FASTag is active and linked to your vehicle.
- Maintain Sufficient Balance: Low or negative balance can make your FASTag inactive.
- Avoid Removing or Damaging FASTag: Each vehicle must have a valid tag permanently fixed on the windshield.
- Use UPI Only as a Backup: If your FASTag fails, pay via UPI (you’ll still pay 1.25× instead of double).
- Update Bank and Vehicle Details: Ensure your mobile number and bank account are correctly linked to receive instant alerts.
Who Will Be Affected the Most?
The new rules will impact all private and commercial vehicle owners traveling on National Highways who don’t have a valid FASTag or are using an expired one. Drivers relying on cash payment will bear double costs, and fleet operators may face significant losses if multiple vehicles are non-compliant.
Example Calculation
Let’s say your regular toll is ₹100:
- With FASTag: ₹100
- With UPI (no FASTag): ₹125
- With Cash (no FASTag): ₹200
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Vehicles without FASTag or those with inactive tags will not only pay double but may also face delays at dedicated FASTag lanes. In the future, the government plans to implement ANPR-based (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) tolling, where tolls are deducted automatically — no booths, no stopping.
Conclusion: The New FASTag Rule 2025 is a crucial move towards a cashless, faster, and smarter toll collection system in India. Starting November 15, always ensure your FASTag is active to avoid unnecessary fines and delays. A simple check before your journey can save you from paying double the toll and ensure a smoother driving experience on national highways.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to visit the official NHAI or MoRTH website for the latest toll and FASTag-related updates.
