The revised rules are aimed at strengthening electronic toll collection, curbing toll fee evasion and facilitating the smooth rollout of barrier-less tolling systems across National Highways
A key feature of the amendment is the introduction of a new definition of “unpaid user fee”. Representational Pic/File
The Union Government on Tuesday announced stricter norms for toll payments on National Highways, clarifying that vehicles with pending toll dues will be barred from completing key registration- and permit-related procedures, reported the IANS.
To enhance compliance with user fee payments at toll plazas, the government has notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The revised rules are aimed at strengthening electronic toll collection, curbing toll fee evasion and facilitating the smooth rollout of barrier-less tolling systems across National Highways.
Key features
A key feature of the amendment is the introduction of a new definition of “unpaid user fee”. It refers to toll charges for using a National Highway stretch where the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system has recorded the vehicle’s passage, but the applicable fee has not been received in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956, reported the IANS.
The amended rules directly link the settlement of pending toll dues with essential vehicle-related services. As per the new provisions, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) will not be issued for transfer of vehicle ownership or for relocating a vehicle from one state to another unless all outstanding toll fees are cleared.
Vehicles with unpaid toll charges will not be permitted
Likewise, vehicles with unpaid toll charges will not be permitted to obtain or renew a Certificate of Fitness. For commercial vehicles applying for a National Permit, the rules now mandate that there must be no pending toll dues against the vehicle, as per the IANS.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the revised framework ensures that toll liabilities are cleared before vehicles are allowed to access crucial regulatory services.
No Objection Certificate rules
In addition, the ministry has updated Form 28, which is required for applying for a No Objection Certificate. Applicants will now be required to declare whether any unpaid toll demand is pending against their vehicle and furnish relevant details, according to the IANS.
To encourage digitalisation, the amended rules also allow certain sections of Form 28 to be generated electronically through the designated online portal.
Form 28 is an essential document for transferring a vehicle to another state or district, confirming that there are no outstanding dues or legal impediments.
Easing congestion
The ministry noted that these changes will also support toll collection once the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system is fully implemented. The MLFF framework is designed to enable seamless, barrier-less tolling across the National Highway network, easing congestion and improving travel efficiency, the news agency reported.
(with IANS inputs)
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