Rules for Overloaded Vehicles Changed from April 15: Know the Key Details..

Overloaded Vehicles Toll Rules: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the toll regulations for overloaded—that is, overweight—vehicles on National Highways. These regulations have been implemented under the 'National Highways Fee (Determination and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026.' Under the new rules, tolls will now be levied based on the percentage of overloading. For your information, these new rules will come into effect on April 15, 2026; their objective is to curb overloading, enhance road safety, and ensure the preservation of highway infrastructure. Let us explore how much overloaded vehicles will now be required to pay in tolls, along with other essential details...

How much toll is payable for excess weight ranging from 10% to 40%?
If a vehicle is carrying excess weight of up to 10 percent, no additional toll will be levied. However, if a vehicle is overloaded by more than 10 percent but up to 40 percent, it will be required to pay a toll equivalent to double the base rate. Furthermore, vehicles overloaded by more than 40 percent will be charged a toll equivalent to four times the base rate.

Where will overloading checks be conducted?
The rules also clarify that overloading checks will be conducted using certified weighing equipment installed at toll plazas. Consequently, if a specific toll plaza lacks weighing facilities, no overloading fee will be collected at that location.

Payments to be made via FasTAG
Overloading fees will be collected exclusively through FasTAG, and details regarding such vehicles will be recorded in the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN). Additionally, action will be taken against vehicles entering National Highways without a valid FasTAG, in accordance with existing regulations.

It is worth noting that these new rules will not apply to certain ongoing private investment projects unless the concerned company (concessionaire) explicitly consents to adopt them.

 The government has also provided illustrative examples to clarify the toll calculation process, thereby making it easier to understand how overloading fees will be determined for various types of vehicles. 

Reduced Damage to Roads
The government believes that these new regulations will curb overloading, minimize damage to roads, and enable the transportation of goods to be conducted in a safer and more streamlined manner. Furthermore, through Weight-in-Motion (WIM) technology, vehicle weights can be measured while the vehicles are in motion, thereby making the entire process even simpler and more transparent.

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