FASTag rules changed for these people; will there be no need to pay tolls for 3 or 5 years now?
FASTag validity extended for eligible Divyangjan vehicle owners
Theindiapostdaily.com – FASTag rules changed for these eligible persons with disabilities, extending the validity of exempted FASTags from the previous annual renewal cycle. The revised arrangement links the tag’s validity to the disability percentage recorded in the applicant’s approved documents.
The change applies to vehicles registered under the Divyangjan category that meet the applicable toll-exemption conditions. Applicants must provide valid supporting records, such as a disability certificate, Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card, or another accepted document.
Three-year and five-year validity periods
Under the revised framework, an exempted FASTag can remain valid for five years where the recorded disability is between 70 per cent and 100 per cent. Where the documented disability is between 40 per cent and less than 70 per cent, the tag can be valid for three years.
“FASTag issued to persons with 70 per cent to 100 per cent disability will be valid for five years, while those issued to persons with 40 per cent to less than 70 per cent disability will be valid for three years,” the ministry said.
Previously, eligible beneficiaries generally had to renew the exempted FASTag every year. By reducing the frequency of renewal, the new process is intended to lessen repeat paperwork for qualifying vehicle owners.
The disability percentage stated in the valid documentation is central to determining whether the FASTag receives three years or five years of validity. Vehicle owners should ensure that their submitted records are current and accurately reflect their eligibility.
What the revised FASTag rules do and do not mean
FASTag rules changed for these beneficiaries to simplify the validity and renewal process; they do not create a universal toll-free pass for every road journey. The exemption remains subject to the applicable toll-exemption provisions and eligibility requirements.
Once the three-year or five-year period ends, the exempted FASTag may need to be renewed if the holder continues to qualify. Renewal remains governed by the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, and the relevant exemption conditions.
An exempted FASTag is different from a standard prepaid FASTag. A regular tag enables digital toll payments, whereas an exempted tag is issued for qualifying beneficiaries under specific toll-exemption rules.
FASTag Annual Pass is a separate paid option
The revised exemption process is separate from the FASTag Annual Pass programme. The Annual Pass is available to non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag and is designed for motorists who frequently use national highways and national expressways.
For a one-time fee of ₹3,075, the Annual Pass is valid for one year or 200 toll-plaza crossings, whichever comes first. It covers about 1,150 fee plazas on national highways and national expressways.
The pass can be activated on the FASTag already linked to the vehicle after payment through the Rajmargyatra app. It does not require a private vehicle owner to obtain a separate FASTag.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a five-year exempted FASTag?
Eligible Divyangjan applicants with a documented disability of 70 per cent to 100 per cent can receive an exempted FASTag with five years of validity, subject to the applicable requirements.
Who gets a three-year exempted FASTag?
Eligible applicants whose valid records show disability between 40 per cent and less than 70 per cent can receive an exempted FASTag valid for three years.
Does this mean all tolls are free for three or five years?
No. FASTag rules changed for these qualifying beneficiaries mainly to extend tag validity and reduce annual renewals. Toll exemption still depends on the rules and eligibility conditions applicable to the journey and vehicle.
Which documents may be needed?
Applicants may need a valid disability certificate, UDID card, or another accepted document that records the disability percentage used to determine the exempted FASTag’s validity.