FASTag Rules Changed for Divyangjan, PwD Vehicles From October 2, Know What Changes

The central government has revised the guidelines for issuance and renewal of exempted FASTags for eligible Divyangjan and Persons with Disabilities (PwD), replacing the earlier annual renewal requirement with longer validity periods linked to the recorded percentage of disability. The revised rules will come into effect from October 2, 2026. Under the new framework, exempted FASTags issued to eligible beneficiaries with 70 per cent to 100 per cent disability will remain valid for five years, while those issued to beneficiaries with 40 per cent to less than 70 per cent disability will be valid for three years.

FASTag Rules Revised for Divyangjan and PwD Vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said the changes are intended to bring greater uniformity to the issuance and renewal of exempted FASTags and reduce repeated procedural formalities for eligible beneficiaries. The exemption applies to vehicles specially designed and constructed for use by persons with physical disabilities, as well as vehicles registered under the ownership type ‘Divyangjan’. The exempted FASTag will be issued based on the percentage of disability recorded in a valid Disability Certificate, Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card or other applicable records. How to Avoid the Fake FASTag Annual Pass Scam?.

New FASTag Validity Based on Disability Percentage

The revised rules establish two validity periods for exempted FASTags. Beneficiaries with a recorded disability of 70 per cent to 100 per cent will receive an exempted FASTag valid for five years. For beneficiaries with 40 per cent to less than 70 per cent disability, the FASTag will be valid for three years. This replaces the earlier system under which eligible Divyangjan beneficiaries were required to renew their exempted FASTag annually.

What Happens After FASTag Exemption Expires?

The revised validity periods do not make the toll exemption permanent. Once the three-year or five-year validity period ends, the exempted FASTag may be renewed. Renewal will remain subject to continued eligibility, valid supporting documentation and compliance with the provisions of the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. Beneficiaries will therefore continue to be required to meet the prescribed conditions when seeking renewal.

Government Aims to Reduce Repeated Formalities

According to the Ministry, the revised framework is intended to make the National Highway tolling system more accessible, transparent and user-friendly for eligible Divyangjan and PwD beneficiaries. The government has also said the changes will ensure that toll exemptions continue to be administered according to the prescribed eligibility requirements and applicable rules. The revision comes as authorities continue to streamline FASTag-related services. NHAI has previously introduced changes aimed at simplifying procedures and improving convenience for highway users. NHAI Expands FASTag Local Pass to 121 Toll Plazas: How To Apply for INR 350 Monthly Pass Online.

New Divyangjan FASTag Rules From October 2

The revised guidelines will take effect from October 2, 2026. The key change is that exempted FASTag validity for eligible Divyangjan and PwD beneficiaries will now be determined by the percentage of disability recorded in official documentation rather than being subject to an annual renewal cycle. The move is expected to reduce the frequency of renewal-related formalities while retaining the existing eligibility and regulatory requirements for toll exemptions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 07:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).