NHAI New Toll Rules 2026: Highway travel in India is set to become fully digital, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a ban on cash payment on toll booths from April 10, 2026. The authority will also push the adoption of FASTag and Annual Pass with the implementation of new toll rules. The move is aimed at reducing waiting time on toll booths and making highway commuting more seamless and convenient.
Toll Plaza Cash Payment Ban From April 10
To promote faster commutes and enhance the experience of vehicle owners, the NHAI has announced that toll booths will no longer accept cash payments from April 10, 2026. While FASTag will act as the primary mode of toll payment, vehicle owners without a valid FASTag can opt to pay via UPI.
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FASTag & UPI Payment
As informed earlier, vehicle owners without a valid FASTag can pay toll using UPI. However, it needs to be mentioned that a vehicle owner without a valid FASTag will be required to pay a 25 per cent higher toll amount than the standard fee. If a vehicle owner refuses to pay using FASTag and UPI, they will not be allowed entry and an e-notice can also be issued. If the vehicle owner doesn’t pay the toll fee despite the e-notice, they might end up paying double the standard amount.
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ID Card Exemption Ends
The authority has also announced the end of the informal ID card exemption. Several instances of government ID cards being used to exempt private vehicles were reported in recent. From now on, eligible vehicles will get fitted with exempted FASTags, and any government personnel travelling in a private vehicle will not be allowed entry. The move is aimed at reducing informal ID card exemptions, and reduced arguments on the toll booths.