India’s toll system is set for a change starting November 15, 2025, with the introduction of a revised Fastag penalty structure. Under the new rule, drivers crossing a toll plaza without a valid or functional Fastag will now face a differentiated surcharge based on their payment mode. Those paying in cash will continue to be charged twice the regular toll, while those opting for UPI or approved digital methods will be charged 1.25 times the base rate. The update is aimed at promoting digital payments while discouraging cash transactions that slow down lanes at toll plazas.
What’s changed
Starting November 15, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will implement new Fastag payment rules across all national highways. Vehicles without an active or readable Fastag will be charged 2x the toll if payment is made in cash. However, drivers can now pay 1.25x of the toll if they choose UPI or another approved digital method at the booth. Regular Fastag users with valid tags continue to pay the base rate.
How to avoid double charges at toll plazas
If your Fastag isn’t detected or you’re missing one, do not pay in cash. Instead, request to pay through UPI at the toll booth, which attracts only 1.25x of the base toll, instead of the full 2x cash penalty.
• Low balance: Top up your tag immediately via your Fastag app or linked wallet. If recharge fails, pay once via UPI at 1.25x and resume using the tag after the top-up reflects.
• Inactive or blacklisted tag: Request UPI billing for that crossing at 1.25x. Then reactivate or replace your tag before your next trip.
• Tag not reading: Clean the windshield and ensure the RFID tag is visible. If it still doesn’t scan, use UPI to avoid a 2x penalty and check tag status later in the app.
Common scenarios and quick fixes
• Wrong vehicle mapping: A mismatch in RC or class may cause rejection. Pay via UPI at 1.25x, then update details with your Fastag issuer.
• Lost or damaged tag: Use UPI for that crossing, then block the lost tag and request a replacement.
Fastag annual pass
To make highway travel easier for regular commuters, the government has launched a Fastag Annual Pass priced at Rs 3,000. The new plan allows private vehicle owners to pay a single amount upfront for toll access over an extended period instead of recharging frequently. If you frequently travel on the same route, you can also opt for the Annual Pass priced at Rs 2,999.
Key features:
• The annual pass remains valid for one year or up to 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first.
• After the limit or expiry, the Fastag automatically reverts to the standard pay-per-trip mode, so users can continue travelling without needing a new tag.
• The pass is available only for private non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans.
• Users can purchase and activate the annual pass directly through the Rajmarg Yatra app or the official NHAI portal.
This plan helps frequent travellers save time, avoid recharge interruptions, and maintain base-rate toll eligibility across highways.
Example toll comparison
If the base toll is Rs 100, Fastag users pay Rs 100, UPI users Rs 125, and cash payers Rs 200. Across multiple plazas, using UPI even once is far cheaper than repeated cash transactions.
Pro tips for seamless travel
• Maintain a minimum Fastag balance to cover multiple tolls.
• Check tag validity and vehicle class before long trips.
• Enable auto-recharge and save your issuer’s helpline number.
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