The central government has changed the rules linked to exempted FASTags to make it easier for persons with disabilities (PwD) to avail themselves of toll exemptions. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the revised guidelines will come into effect from October 2, 2026.
Under the revised system, the validity of exempted FASTags for persons with disabilities will be linked to the percentage of disability. Earlier, beneficiaries had to renew their FASTags every year.
According to the revised government guidelines, FASTags issued to persons with disabilities ranging from 70 percent to 100 percent will remain valid for five years. For persons with disabilities of 40 percent or more but less than 70 percent, the validity has been fixed at three years.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the new rules are aimed at standardising the issuance process for exempted FASTags across the country and making it more transparent and convenient. Under the new system, eligible beneficiaries will be able to avail themselves of toll exemptions with less paperwork.
Under the new rules, FASTags for toll exemption will be issued to vehicles specifically designed and manufactured for use by persons with disabilities. Eligible vehicles registered under the ownership category of persons with disabilities will also be covered by the facility.
Applicants will have to meet the prescribed eligibility conditions and submit a disability certificate, a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, or other documents recognised by the government. The validity of the FASTag will be determined on the basis of the percentage of disability recorded in these documents.
Under the revised rules, eligible beneficiaries will be able to renew their FASTag after its prescribed validity expires. The renewal process will have to comply with the provisions specified under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, along with the applicable eligibility conditions.
Eligibility may be verified at the time of renewal to ensure that the toll exemption continues to be available only to persons who meet the government’s prescribed requirements.
The government’s FASTag Annual Pass has also crossed the one-crore-user mark. The facility was introduced for people who frequently travel on national highways using private, non-commercial vehicles.
Under the FASTag Annual Pass, users can make a one-time payment of ₹3,075 and receive travel access for one year or up to a maximum of 200 toll plaza crossings. The facility is available subject to the prescribed conditions and can be activated through the Highway Travel app.
The pass reduces the need for drivers who regularly travel on national highways to recharge their FASTags repeatedly.
