The government has revised the rules for exempted FASTags issued to eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Divyangjan beneficiaries. Under the new system, the earlier requirement of renewing an exempted FASTag every year has been replaced with a longer validity period linked to the percentage of disability recorded in official documents.
The revised guidelines came into effect from October 2, 2026. The new framework is intended to reduce repeated paperwork and make the process more convenient for eligible beneficiaries.
FASTag Validity Will Depend on Disability Percentage
Under the revised system, the validity of an exempted FASTag will be determined according to the disability percentage mentioned in a valid Disability Certificate, Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card or other applicable documents.
Beneficiaries with a disability level of 70% to 100% will receive an exempted FASTag with a validity of five years. Those with a disability of 40% or more but below 70% will receive a FASTag valid for three years.
This replaces the earlier annual renewal arrangement for eligible beneficiaries and reduces the frequency of renewal-related formalities.
Which Vehicles Are Covered Under the Toll Exemption?
The revised rules apply to eligible vehicles associated with Persons with Disabilities. This includes vehicles specially designed or constructed for use by persons with physical disabilities.
The facility also covers vehicles registered under the ‘Divyangjan’ ownership category, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and verification of supporting documents.
It is important to note that simply having a disability certificate does not by itself make every vehicle eligible for toll exemption. The vehicle and beneficiary must meet the conditions prescribed under the applicable highway toll-exemption rules.
What Happens After the FASTag Expires?
The longer validity period does not mean the toll exemption becomes permanent. Once the three-year or five-year validity period ends, the exempted FASTag will have to be renewed.
Renewal will remain subject to continued eligibility, validity of the required disability-related documents and compliance with the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. Beneficiaries should therefore keep their Disability Certificate, UDID Card and other relevant records valid and updated.
The revised system is aimed at reducing repeated annual formalities while maintaining verification requirements for continued eligibility.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes. FASTag exemption eligibility, documentation requirements and renewal procedures are subject to government rules and may be revised from time to time. Beneficiaries should verify the latest requirements with the concerned official authorities before applying for or renewing an exempted FASTag.