New NHAI Toll Rules: Pay 1.25x via UPI Instead of Double Cash for Non-FASTag Vehicles
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has updated the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules. The new amendment, which came into effect on November 15, 2025, offers a middle ground for vehicle owners who do not have a functional FASTag.
According to the latest Gazette notification, while the penalty for entering a FASTag lane without a functional tag remains double the fee in cash, commuters now have a more affordable digital alternative.
The 1.25x UPI Provision
The amendment introduces a specific clause for payments made via Unified Payments Interface (UPI). If a vehicle enters a toll plaza without a valid, functional FASTag, the driver can opt to pay the toll fee through UPI. In such cases, the user is required to pay only 1.25 times the standard fee, rather than the 2 times (double) fee charged for cash transactions.
For example, if the standard toll for a car is ₹100:
- Via FASTag: ₹100
- Via UPI (No FASTag): ₹125
- Via Cash (No FASTag): ₹200
Zero Toll for Infrastructure Failure
The notification also clarifies rights regarding technical glitches. If a vehicle has a valid FASTag with sufficient balance, but the payment cannot be processed due to a failure in the toll plaza’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) infrastructure, the vehicle must be allowed to pass free of charge. In such instances, a “Zero Transaction” receipt must be issued to the driver.
Preventing Toll Plaza Disputes
The National Crime Investigation Bureau (NCIB) recently highlighted that many disputes at toll booths arise because staff often demand double the amount in cash even when the driver offers to pay via UPI.
Commuters are being advised to keep a digital or physical copy of this Gazette notification (G.S.R. 734(E)) in their vehicles. This document serves as legal proof of the 1.25x UPI rule, ensuring that commuters are not overcharged by toll operators who may insist on double payments.
Key Takeaways for Commuters:
- Effective Date: The rules became active on November 15, 2025.
- UPI Advantage: Paying via QR code/UPI saves you 75% of the penalty compared to cash.
- Receipts: Always demand a receipt specifying the vehicle category, time, and total amount collected.
- Tech Failure: If their scanner fails and your tag is valid, you pay nothing.
