New FASTag Local Pass Rules to Take Effect from November 1
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced new FASTag rules effective November 1, 2026, introducing a concessional annual local pass for eligible private vehicle owners living within 20 km of a National Highway toll plaza. The initiative aims to reduce toll expenses for residents who frequently travel through nearby toll points. The pass will be linked to a specific toll plaza and an active FASTag registered for non-commercial use.
Under the new rules, the annual pass will cost ₹1,500 for toll plazas located outside municipal or local town limits and ₹3,000 for those within these limits. The scheme is restricted to eligible private vehicle owners who meet the residence and other conditions specified in the government notification. Certain highways and expressways using closed toll-collection systems, as well as locations where alternative roads are available, are excluded from the benefit.
Currently, a monthly local pass costs ₹360, amounting to ₹4,320 annually. Under the new system, eligible motorists using toll plazas outside municipal limits could save ₹2,820 a year. Vehicle owners should ensure their FASTag is active and linked correctly to their vehicle before checking eligibility and applying. Meanwhile, vehicles without a valid or functional FASTag may continue to face higher toll charges: 1.25 times the applicable fee for UPI payments or double the fee for cash payments, according to the existing rules described in the report.
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