The Centre has changed the rules for exempted FASTags issued to Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), so that the toll-free tag no longer has to be renewed every year. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the revised guidelines on October 1, 2026, and said they take effect from October 2, 2026.
An exempted FASTag lets an eligible vehicle pass through National Highway fee plazas without paying toll.
What has changed
Until now, the guidelines required Divyangjan to renew the exempted FASTag every year. Under the new rules, how long the tag stays valid depends on the percentage of disability recorded in the person's documents.
| Recorded disability | Validity of exempted FASTag |
|---|---|
| 70% to 100% | 5 years |
| 40% to less than 70% | 3 years |
After that period, the tag can be renewed, as long as the person is still eligible and meets the conditions of the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
Which vehicles are covered
According to the ministry, the exempted FASTag is issued for:
- Vehicles specially designed and built for use by persons with physical disabilities.
- Vehicles registered under the ownership type "Divyangjan".
Documents used to decide eligibility
The percentage of disability will be taken from any of these:
- A valid Disability Certificate
- The Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card
- Other applicable records
People who have a UDID card should make sure the disability percentage on it is correct, because that figure now decides whether the tag is valid for three years or five.
Key points for users
- Start date: October 2, 2026.
- Fewer trips to renew: the yearly renewal requirement is gone.
- Validity is linked to disability percentage: 5 years at 70% or more, 3 years at 40% to under 70%.
- Renewal still needed: once the period ends, the tag must be renewed subject to continued eligibility.
The ministry said the change aims to make the toll system more uniform, accessible and user-friendly for eligible beneficiaries, while making sure exemptions are still given only as the rules allow.
Related
For other recent changes on national highways, read about the FASTag Annual Pass crossing one crore users, the fee and the 200-trip limit.
What happens next
The ministry's release did not say whether exempted FASTags already issued under the old one-year rule will be extended automatically, or whether holders must apply again when their current tag expires. Users with a tag due for renewal should check with their FASTag issuer when renewing to get the new validity period.
