Starting November 15, 2025, the Indian government will scrap the double toll penalty for vehicles without FASTag if payment is made via UPI. Such users will now pay only 1.25× the regular fee, while cash payers will still pay double.
In a major relief to motorists, the Government of India has scrapped the double toll penalty for vehicles without a valid FASTag, provided they pay via UPI or any digital mode.
From November 15, 2025, such vehicles will only be charged 1.25 times the normal toll fee, instead of the earlier 2× (double) charge.
However, the double toll penalty will continue for those paying in cash, as part of the government’s ongoing push for digital transactions and cashless tolling.
What Are the New FASTag Rules from November 2025?
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the new toll rules are designed to simplify toll payments while maintaining digital discipline.
Current Rule (Before November 2025)
• Vehicles without a valid FASTag or with a non-functional tag are required to pay double the normal toll.
• This applies regardless of the reason — low balance, technical glitch, or no tag at all.
• The rule often led to frustration among drivers, especially when FASTags failed for technical reasons.
New Rule (Effective November 15, 2025)
• If a vehicle doesn’t have a valid FASTag but pays via UPI/digital mode, toll = 1.25× the standard rate.
• If payment is made in cash, toll = 2× the standard rate.
• If the FASTag is valid and functional, toll = base amount (1×).
Example:
For a toll of ₹100:
• FASTag = ₹100
• UPI (no FASTag) = ₹125
• Cash (no FASTag) = ₹200
Why the Government Revised FASTag Penalty Rules
The FASTag system, introduced in 2016 and made mandatory in 2021, has transformed toll collection in India. Today, over 98% of toll payments are made through FASTag.
However, the government recognized recurring issues faced by motorists — technical glitches, tag deactivation, and server errors — leading to unfair double toll penalties.
Main Objectives Behind the Revision
1. To promote digital payments:
The new rule encourages UPI and mobile payment adoption, reducing cash handling at toll plazas.
2. To make penalties fairer:
Instead of punishing all non-FASTag users equally, the government now offers a smaller penalty for those using digital payments.
3. To discourage cash transactions:
Double toll continues for cash payers to ensure more people switch to electronic tolling systems.
4. To improve toll plaza efficiency:
Reduced cash transactions will shorten queues and enhance speed at toll gates.
Quote (MoRTH source):
“The new toll structure will balance fairness with efficiency — rewarding digital users while discouraging cash payments.”
Impact on Road Users and Transporters
For Daily Motorists
• Relief from paying double toll if their FASTag doesn’t work due to system or bank errors.
• Drivers can simply use UPI or any digital app to pay 1.25× and continue their journey.
• Reduces disputes and arguments at toll booths.
For Commercial Transporters
• Lower operational costs — previously, trucks and buses without FASTags were paying huge penalties.
• More predictable expenses and faster clearance at toll plazas.
For Toll Operators
• Need to integrate UPI and digital payment gateways with existing toll systems.
• Better tracking and audit trails through e-receipts and timestamps.
Key Dates and What Motorists Should Do
• Effective Date: November 15, 2025.
• Action for Drivers:
1. Check if your FASTag is valid and has sufficient balance.
2. If your tag fails or is inactive, pay using UPI — avoid cash to save money.
3. Keep toll receipts (digital or printed) for reference.
Toll plazas will also be required to issue receipts showing payment mode, vehicle category, amount charged, and time. In cases where the FASTag is valid but fails due to a system issue at the plaza, vehicles should be allowed to pass without charge.
The Bigger Picture — Towards a Fully Digital Highway System
The government’s broader plan involves 100% digital tolling across national highways, moving toward ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)–based toll collection.
This policy update is a transition phase toward that goal — encouraging digital adoption while keeping penalties proportional.
The scrapping of double tolls for UPI users without FASTag is a significant and practical reform.
It acknowledges real-world challenges faced by drivers, rewards those using digital payments, and continues India’s journey toward a fully cashless, transparent highway system.
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