3 to 5-Year Exemption on FASTag: Who Benefits and What Documents Are Required?

FASTag rules for persons with disabilities have changed. It will no longer require annual renewal. Depending on the percentage of disability, the FASTag will be valid for either 3 or 5 years; however, the toll exemption status itself remains subject to existing rules.

If you or a family member fall under the category of persons with disabilities, or if you use a vehicle registered in the name of a person with a disability, this information regarding FASTag is important for you. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revised the rules for concessional FASTags for persons with disabilities. Under these changes, there is no longer a need to renew the FASTag annually.

Under the new rules, eligible individuals will receive a concessional FASTag valid for either three or five years, depending on the case. However, the benefit of the exemption will be granted in accordance with existing eligibility criteria and toll regulations.

Who is eligible for the 3-year or 5-year FASTag?

For a recorded disability of 70% to 100%, the concessional FASTag will be valid for 5 years.
For eligible individuals with a disability ranging from 40% to less than 70%, the FASTag will be valid for 3 years.
Previously, such FASTags required annual renewal. Now, the validity period will be determined based on the disability percentage recorded in official documents. This means that once the initial validity period expires, the FASTag can be renewed if eligibility is maintained.

What documents are required?

To obtain a concessional FASTag, valid documents proving the disability are required. Any of the following applicable documents may be used:

Valid disability certificate
UDID card (Unique Disability ID)
Other valid government records stating the percentage of disability

Does this mean no toll tax needs to be paid for 3 or 5 years? It is crucial to understand that a FASTag validity of 3 or 5 years does not mean the eligible person receives a complete exemption from toll tax for that entire duration. It simply means that the eligible person will not need to renew the concessionary FASTag annually. Therefore, please note that the toll exemption will be granted strictly in accordance with the relevant eligibility criteria and the rules applicable under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.