New FASTag Rules From November 15: Cash Payments To Cost Double, UPI Option Eases Toll Hassle
The new FASTag rules that came into effect on November 15 are set to change how motorists pay at toll plazas. Drivers choosing to pay in cash will now be charged double the regular toll. The goal is to reduce traffic build-up at toll lanes and encourage smoother digital payments across national highways.
What the New FASTag Rules Aim to Solve
The update follows rising complaints about tag errors and technical issues that often lead to penalty deductions. With a stronger push toward digital payments, the new rules aim to cut waiting time at plazas. The introduction of a lower surcharge for UPI payments also helps drivers who face low balance or malfunctioning tags during long inter-state trips.
Annual FASTag Pass Introduced Earlier This Year
A related change came on 15 August when the government launched the annual FASTag pass priced at ₹3,000. It covers 200 toll crossings in one year. Officials say the average cost per crossing should come down to around ₹15, making it useful for frequent travellers on National Highways and Expressways under NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport.
Where the FASTag Pass Does Not Work
The pass has certain limits. It can be used only on NHAI-operated national highways and expressways. It is not valid on routes like the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Yamuna Expressway or the Agra–Lucknow Expressway. It is also available only for private vehicles listed in the VAHAN records, so commercial fleets cannot opt for it.
Steps to Activate the Annual Pass
Users do not need a fresh FASTag. Their existing tag must be active and correctly mapped to the vehicle number without any blacklist flag. The pass can be purchased through the Rajmarg Yatra app or on the NHAI website. After verification, it becomes active within two hours. It stays locked to one vehicle for the full year and cannot be transferred.
