FASTag New Rule: When travelling by car on a highway, one is required to pay a toll tax upon reaching a toll plaza. The government has recently introduced a new change regarding FASTags. Under this new rule, FASTags eligible for toll exemptions will no longer require annual renewal. This rule has been implemented for individuals with disabilities. The validity of the FASTag will be determined based on the percentage of disability; essentially, the higher the degree of disability, the longer the FASTag’s validity period. The government has implemented this new system starting today.
Previously, individuals with disabilities were required to renew their toll-exempt FASTags annually. The new system simplifies this process by basing the FASTag’s validity on the disability percentage recorded in the disability certificate, Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card, or other valid documentation.
How much will the validity increase?
According to the new rule, beneficiaries with a disability level between 70% and 100% will receive a FASTag valid for a 5-year period. This means eligible individuals will not have to go through the annual renewal process. Meanwhile, those with a disability level of 40% or more but less than 70% will receive a FASTag valid for 3 years. Once the validity expires, the FASTag will need to be renewed, subject to the beneficiary meeting certain conditions.
Vehicles eligible for toll exemption
This rule applies to specific vehicles associated with eligible individuals with disabilities (PwD beneficiaries). It covers vehicles specially designed for use by individuals with physical disabilities. Additionally, this rule also applies to vehicles registered under the ‘ownership by a person with a disability’ category.
Why did the government change this rule?
Under the old system, the requirement to renew the FASTag annually meant that eligible individuals had to repeatedly complete paperwork and procedural formalities. This often caused significant inconvenience for people, including individuals with disabilities who managed the process themselves. The new rule has greatly simplified this procedure. Beneficiaries will no longer need to renew frequently, as the FASTag will now be valid for either 3 or 5 years, depending on the percentage of disability.
What happens when the FASTag validity expires?
It is important to note that extended validity does not imply a permanent toll exemption. The exempted FASTag must be renewed once the 3-year or 5-year validity period concludes. At the time of renewal, checks will be conducted regarding beneficiary eligibility, the validity of disability documentation, and compliance with the rules stipulated under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. Therefore, it is essential for beneficiaries to ensure that their disability certificate, ID card, and other necessary documents remain valid.