FASTags must on invalid carriages for toll exemptions

Thanks to BHPian dailydriver for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

In May 2016, the government had announced that vehicles designed for physically challenged people would be exempt from paying tolls on national highways. Now, in a circular dated October 13, 2016, the government has clarified that all vehicles registered as ‘invalid carriages’ and seeking toll exemptions must be FASTag enabled and use the dedicated FASTag lanes at toll plazas.

According to the circular, the initial cost of the FASTag will be borne by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while the toll fees charged to these FASTag accounts would be reimbursed within 7 days to the concessionaire by NHAI.

The exemption is applicable at toll plazas that are located on highways operated by the NHAI.

The government has also laid down guidelines for issuing FASTags to invalid carriages – 

•First of all, the vehicle must be registered as an ‘invalid carriage’ as per Section 2 (18) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 

•The applicant must submit a proof of residence to the issuing authority. 

•The issuer cannot refuse to issue a FASTag to any ‘invalid carriage’. 

•FASTags must be issued free of cost to the applicants and the issuer should seek reimbursement from NHAI on a monthly basis.