The Indian government has introduced stricter toll rules for highways, including a new e-notice system that imposes a double penalty for unpaid tolls.
The Indian government has recently amended the National Highway Fee Rules, 2026, making toll regulations on highways more stringent. Starting from March 17, 2026, stringent measures will be in place to ensure compliance with toll payments. The introduction of an electronic notice system promises that vehicle owners who either fail to pay their tolls or bypass toll booths without payment will receive digital notices, subsequently enforcing a double penalty if payment is not made within 72 hours.
One of the key developments is the introduction of a term known as 'unpaid user fee', which refers to toll charges that have been logged in the electronic system but have not yet been settled by the driver. This can occur for various reasons, such as insufficient balance in the Fastag, transaction failures, or vehicles passing through toll plazas without making any payment. According to the government, this new framework is not only aimed at enhancing revenue collection from tolls but also reinforcing adherence to traffic regulations.
Under the new regulation, if a vehicle owner incurs toll dues, they will receive an e-notice through various digital channels including SMS, email, mobile applications, and other digital mediums. This approach marks a significant shift in how the government aims to improve compliance and reduces revenue losses associated with highway tolls, ensuring a swifter and more efficient toll collection process.
