The Central Government has revised the rules regarding FASTags with toll exemptions for persons with disabilities, effective from October 2. Under the new regulations, individuals with disabilities will no longer be required to renew their FASTag exemption annually.
The validity of the FASTag will range from 3 to 5 years, depending on the percentage of disability recorded in the disability certificate or the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card.
What has changed?
This is a special FASTag issued for persons with disabilities. Eligible vehicles receive a full toll exemption under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. Previously, annual renewal was mandatory.
How can one avail the exemption?
According to the rules, the exemption applies to vehicles specifically designed and constructed for use by a person with a physical disability or those registered under the ‘Divyangjan’ (person with disability) ownership category. In other words, merely possessing a disability certificate does not automatically make a vehicle toll-free. What will be the validity period of the FASTag?
FASTags for individuals with 70% to 100% disability will be valid for 5 years, while those for individuals with 40% to 70% disability will be valid for 3 years. The FASTag must be renewed after this period; however, the requirement for annual renewal has been waived. Where can one apply for the FASTag exemption?
According to Highways Management Company Ltd., applicants must submit an application form, the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC), an identity proof, and proof of eligibility for the exemption. For persons with disabilities, documents such as a valid disability certificate or a Unique Disability ID (UDID) are mandatory. Applications must be submitted via the FASTag portal, where the applicant needs to select the relevant NHAI regional offic
