New National Highway Regulations: Avoid Toll Payments and Face Double Charges After 72 Hours
Failure to pay toll fees on India’s National Highways could soon come with hefty penalties, according to a recent government notification. Under new amendments to the National Highways Fee Rules, drivers who do not settle their user charges within 72 hours will face double the original fee. The changes aim to enhance accountability for both users and tolling agencies, particularly as barrier-free tolling systems are implemented across the country. The revised rules took effect on Tuesday and introduce a structured recovery mechanism for unpaid tolls.
New Penalties for Unpaid User Fees
The amended rules define “unpaid user fee” as the toll applicable to vehicles that have been recorded by Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems but for which the fee has not been collected. If a vehicle owner fails to pay the toll within the stipulated 72 hours, the amount due will be doubled. This measure is designed to discourage non-compliance and ensure that tolls are paid promptly. To facilitate this, an electronic notice (e-notice) will be sent to registered vehicle owners detailing the vehicle information, date and location of the toll passage, and the amount owed. These notices will be delivered via SMS, email, and mobile applications, and will also be accessible on a designated portal.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
The new regulations also include provisions for grievance redressal. Vehicle owners who believe they have been wrongly charged can submit a complaint through the designated portal within 72 hours of receiving the e-notice. Tolling agencies are required to review and resolve these complaints within five days. If they fail to do so, the claim for the unpaid user fee will automatically lapse. This mechanism aims to provide a fair process for addressing disputes while holding tolling agencies accountable for their response times.
Integration with VAHAN Database
To streamline the enforcement of unpaid tolls, the revised rules will integrate the national electronic toll collection system with the VAHAN database. This integration will allow for the seamless identification of vehicles and the enforcement of outstanding dues. If a user fails to pay the toll within 15 days and no grievance is pending, the unpaid amount will be recorded in the VAHAN system. Consequently, restrictions may be placed on vehicle-related services, including the transfer and renewal of registration certificates, until the dues are settled.
Encouraging Timely Payments
The government aims to encourage timely compliance with the new toll payment rules. If the unpaid user fee is settled within 72 hours of the e-notice being issued, only the original toll amount will be required, without any additional charges. This approach is intended to promote prompt payment and reduce the financial burden on drivers who act quickly to resolve their toll obligations. As the country moves towards more advanced tolling systems, these changes reflect a commitment to improving the efficiency and accountability of toll collection on national highways.
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