The Government has announced stricter rules regarding toll payments on National Highways, stating that vehicles with outstanding toll dues will not be able to complete essential registration and permit processes. To enhance compliance with toll payments at toll plazas, the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 have been notified, amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. These changes aim to boost electronic toll collection, curb toll fee evasion, and facilitate the implementation of barrier-less tolling on highways.
The updated regulations introduce a new definition of “unpaid user fee,” which pertains to toll charges for using a National Highway section where the Electronic Toll Collection system has registered the vehicle’s passage but the fee remains unpaid as required by the National Highways Act, 1956. This move directly associates the settlement of pending toll dues with crucial vehicle-related services.
Under the revised provisions, vehicles with outstanding toll dues will not be eligible for the issuance of a No Objection Certificate for ownership transfer or interstate vehicle movement unless all unpaid toll fees are settled. Moreover, vehicles with pending toll dues will be unable to renew or acquire a Certificate of Fitness. Commercial vehicles seeking a National Permit must now ensure there are no unpaid toll charges against the vehicle.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways stated, “A new definition of ‘unpaid user fee’ has been introduced under the amended rules, referring to the user fee payable for using a National Highway section where the Electronic Toll Collection system has recorded the vehicle’s passage but the applicable fee has not been received in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956.” Additionally, Form 28, used for applying for a No Objection Certificate, has been updated to require applicants to disclose any pending unpaid toll demands against their vehicle.
To facilitate digital processes, certain sections of Form 28 can now be electronically issued through the designated online portal. Form 28 plays a vital role in transferring a vehicle to another state or district, confirming the absence of pending dues or legal issues. These regulatory changes are expected to streamline toll collection once the Multi-Lane Free Flow system is fully operational, enabling barrier-less tolling on the National Highway network to reduce congestion and enhance travel efficiency.
