The central government has made a significant change to the FASTag rules for disabled citizens traveling on national highways. Disabled individuals who already benefit from toll exemptions will no longer need to renew their FASTags annually. According to the new rules, the validity of the FASTag will be determined by the individual's degree of disability. This change will take effect on October 2, 2026.

Until now, people with disabilities eligible for toll exemptions had to complete the FASTag renewal process every year. Beneficiaries faced significant difficulties because they had to resubmit the required documents. Now, a decision has been made to simplify this process. Under the new rules, eligible beneficiaries with 70% to 100% disabilities will have their toll-free FASTag valid for five years.

Therefore, such citizens will not need to go through the process of renewing their FASTag every year. However, for beneficiaries with a disability of 40% or more but less than 70%, the FASTag will be valid for three years. After the expiry of the specified period, it can be renewed as per the rules. This exemption will not apply to all vehicles. Only eligible vehicles specially designed for use by persons with disabilities will be covered under these rules.

A valid disability certificate, UDID card, or related government documents are required to obtain a FASTag. Therefore, it is important for beneficiaries to keep their documents updated and valid. Meanwhile, the validity of the FASTag has been extended to three or five years, and after the five-year period, the FASTag will need to be renewed. At that time, the beneficiary's eligibility, disability documents, and fulfillment of the necessary conditions as per the National Highway Toll Rules, 2008 will be verified. With this change, disabled citizens will no longer need to renew their FASTag frequently.

PC: CNBC AAWAJ