NHAI Implements Double Toll Fee for Vehicles Without FASTag

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced guidelines to charge double toll fees from National Highway users who do not affix a FASTag on their vehicle windshields. This initiative aims to prevent delays at toll plazas and enforce proper FASTag usage for smoother toll operations.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out stringent measures to ensure the use of FASTag by all National Highway users, as stated in a recent official release. To discourage deliberate non-compliance, a double toll fee will now be imposed on vehicles without a FASTag affixed to the front windshield.

NHAI highlights that not using FASTag causes unnecessary delays at toll plazas, inconveniencing other highway users. Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have been issued to all User Fee Collection Agencies and Concessionaires to implement this rule effectively.

The new guidelines mandate clear display of information regarding penalties for non-compliance at all toll plazas. Additionally, CCTV footage capturing Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) will be maintained to ensure accurate record-keeping and adherence to the new rules.

NHAI aims to strictly enforce these guidelines for the correct use of FASTag, preventing vehicles without an affixed FASTag from using Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) services and ensuring they pay a double fee if caught. Issuer banks are also instructed to ensure proper FASTag fixation at the point of issuance.

Currently, NHAI collects tolls across 45,000 km of National Highways through 1,000 Toll Plazas, with FASTag facilitating seamless transactions for around 98 per cent of over 8 crore users. The enforcement of double fees is expected to enhance efficiency and provide more comfortable journeys for all users.

(With inputs from agencies.)