Government links exempted FASTag validity to disability percentage

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has revised the rules governing the issue and renewal of exempted FASTags for eligible Divyangjan and persons with disabilities. Under the new system, the validity period will be linked to the disability percentage recorded in the beneficiary’s official documents. The Ministry said beneficiaries may qualify on the basis of the percentage of disability shown on a disability certificate, a Unique Disability ID card or other applicable records.

The revised process is intended to simplify toll-related procedures and make the national highway tolling system easier to use for eligible people. Vehicles associated with persons having a disability of 70% to 100% will receive exempted FASTags valid for five years. For those with a disability of 40% to less than 70%, the validity period will be three years.

The change replaces the earlier requirement that exempted FASTags for Divyangjan be renewed every year. The Ministry said an exempted FASTag may be renewed after its validity expires, provided the beneficiary continues to meet the eligibility requirements and complies with the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. The revised guidelines are intended to make the administration of toll exemptions more accessible, transparent and user-friendly, according to the Ministry.

They also retain the requirement that exemptions be provided only in accordance with the prescribed rules and eligibility conditions. The changes therefore affect both the duration of the exemption and the renewal process. Beneficiaries with higher certified disabilities will not need to renew their exempted FASTags as frequently as those in the lower qualifying range.

The Ministry described the revision as part of efforts to promote ease of living and further simplify procedures for Divyangjan and other eligible persons with disabilities.