A new government notification states that if a vehicle crosses a barrier-less toll plaza on national highways without paying due to a faulty FASTag or low balance, the user must pay the fee within 72 hours or face a penalty of double the toll amount.
New Rule: Unpaid FASTag Toll at Barrier-Free Plazas to Attract Double Penalty After 72 Hours
At the same time, if a toll agency fails to review and resolve a complaint within five days, the unpaid fee claim will automatically be cancelled.
These updates have been introduced through amendments to the National Highways Fee Rules to prevent users from avoiding toll payments and to ensure accountability among toll operators.
In addition, the revised rules establish a clear recovery system for “unpaid user fee,” especially as barrier-free tolling becomes more common.
The changes officially came into effect from Tuesday.
Under the updated rules, “unpaid user fee” refers to toll charges for vehicles whose passage is recorded by electronic toll systems but where payment has not been received.
Furthermore, vehicle owners will receive an electronic notice containing details such as the vehicle number, date and location of travel, and the amount due.
These notices will be sent via SMS, email, mobile apps, and will also be accessible on a dedicated portal.
FASTag Rules Tightened: VAHAN Integration Enables Tracking, Unpaid Tolls to Be Charged Double
The system will also be linked with the VAHAN database to allow accurate identification of vehicles and effective enforcement of pending dues.
According to the amendment, the payable amount for an unpaid fee will be twice the normal toll.
However, to promote timely payment, users who clear the dues within 72 hours of receiving the notice will only need to pay the original toll amount without any penalty.
Additionally, a grievance mechanism has been introduced for users who wish to challenge the notice.
Affected vehicle owners or drivers can submit their complaint through the designated portal within 72 hours of receiving the notice.
Toll agencies are required to review and resolve such complaints within five days.
If they fail to do so, the claim for the unpaid fee will lapse automatically.
Moreover, “In cases where the unpaid user fee remains unpaid beyond 15 days and no representation is pending, the amount will be recorded in the VAHAN system, and appropriate restrictions may be imposed on vehicle-related services until the dues are cleared,” the ministry said.
Finally, these restrictions may include limitations on services such as the transfer or renewal of the vehicle’s registration certificate.
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