FASTag Rule Change: The government has revised the rules for exempted FASTags issued to eligible Divyangjan and Persons with Disabilities (PwD), making the renewal process less frequent and more closely linked to the disability percentage recorded in official documents.
The revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will come into effect from October 2, 2026. The government said the changes are intended to bring greater uniformity to the issuance and renewal of exempted FASTags across the country while reducing repeated procedural formalities for eligible beneficiaries.
What Has Changed in the FASTag Rules?
Under the new framework, exempted FASTags will be issued for vehicles specially designed and constructed for use by persons with physical disabilities, as well as vehicles registered under the ‘Divyangjan’ ownership category.
Eligibility will be determined using the disability percentage recorded in a valid Disability Certificate, Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card or other applicable documents.
One of the key changes concerns the validity period. Earlier, eligible Divyangjan beneficiaries were required to renew their exempted FASTag every year. Under the revised system, the validity will depend on the percentage of disability.
- 70% to 100% disability: Exempted FASTag valid for 5 years
- 40% to less than 70% disability: Exempted FASTag valid for 3 years
After the validity period ends, the FASTag can be renewed subject to continued eligibility and compliance with the provisions of the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
The change is aimed at reducing the need for eligible users to complete the renewal process every year while maintaining the existing eligibility requirements for toll exemption.
Government’s Objective Behind the Revised FASTag System
According to the Ministry, the revised provisions are designed to make the National Highway tolling system more accessible, transparent and user-friendly for eligible Divyangjan and PwD beneficiaries.
The government has also stated that toll exemptions will continue to be administered according to the prescribed rules and eligibility conditions. The new framework is therefore intended to simplify the process without changing the requirement that beneficiaries meet the applicable criteria.
The FASTag ecosystem has also seen wider adoption through other initiatives, including the FASTag Annual Pass for eligible private vehicles.
FASTag Annual Pass: ₹3,075 for One Year or 200 Crossings
The FASTag Annual Pass, launched on August 15, 2025, is available for eligible non-commercial cars, jeeps and vans with a valid FASTag. For 2026-27, the one-time fee is ₹3,075, and the pass remains valid for one year or up to 200 toll plaza crossings, whichever comes first.
The Annual Pass is applicable at National Highway and National Expressway fee plazas. It is activated on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle after payment of the applicable fee through the Rajmargyatra App.
The government announced on September 28, 2026, that the Annual Pass had crossed one crore passes issued since its launch. The scheme currently covers about 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and National Expressways.
For motorists, the Annual Pass is separate from the exempted FASTag provisions for eligible Divyangjan and PwD vehicles. The two facilities have different eligibility conditions and purposes.
Disclaimer
The FASTag rules and validity periods mentioned above are based on information issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Press Information Bureau. Eligibility for toll exemption, FASTag issuance and renewal remains subject to the applicable government rules and verification of the required documents. Users should check the latest official instructions or confirm their eligibility with the concerned FASTag issuer or highway authority before applying.