Amid the ongoing news about the new FASTag-based Annual Pass, a rumor has been running around on the internet about toll tax on 2-wheelers.
However, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has clarified that all 2-wheelers are exempted from any toll tax except the one-time road tax collected at the time of purchase.
Nitin Gadkari shuts down rumours around toll tax on two-wheelers
The common rumor that spread rapidly on social media and was picked up by some media outlets claimed that a toll tax would be imposed on two-wheelers on National Highways, and this new rule would come into effect starting July 15, 2025.
The fake information said that two-wheelers would also need to use FASTag for toll payments, and non-compliance would attract penalties.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) unequivocally denied these rumors. Gadkari stated in a social media post that "no such decision is proposed. Complete exemption on toll for two-wheelers will continue fully."
This exemption exists in the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, specifically Rule 4(4), which states that no fee shall be levied for the use of two-wheelers on National Highways.
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New pass system for toll collection on private cars
The new policy introduces an optional FASTag-based Annual Pass for private, non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans. The Annual Pass is priced at ₹3,000 and will be valid for one year from the date of activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
Once activated on an existing, valid FASTag, this pass will allow unlimited travel (up to 200 trips or one year) at designated National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas without per-trip user fee charges.
It is not a new FASTag. It's an add-on or a plan activated on your existing FASTag. After the 200 trips or one year are exhausted, the FASTag will automatically revert to its regular pay-per-use functionality.
Vehicle owners who do not opt for the Annual Pass, the current FASTag system will continue to operate as is. They will continue to pay tolls per trip from their linked FASTag wallet/account at applicable rates.
