Centre Amends Central Motor Vehicles Rules to Strengthen Toll Fee Compliance
The Central Government has notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 with the objective of strengthening compliance related to user fee payments at toll plazas on National Highways. The amendments aim to improve the efficiency of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems and discourage toll fee evasion across the country.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the revised rules will help create a more transparent and technology-driven tolling mechanism. This, in turn, will support the sustained development and maintenance of the National Highway network.
As per the new provisions, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the transfer of vehicle ownership or for transferring a vehicle from one state to another will not be issued unless all pending user fees related to the vehicle are fully cleared.
In addition, for commercial vehicles applying for a National Permit, it has now been made mandatory that there should be no outstanding user fee dues. Any vehicle found with unpaid toll fees will not be eligible for the permit under the amended rules.
The Ministry stated that these measures will assist the National Highways Authority of India in strengthening transparent toll operations, enhancing compliance among road users, and ensuring smoother implementation of electronic tolling systems.
The government believes that the amendments will further reinforce FASTag-based toll collection, promote discipline among highway users, and contribute to a more efficient and reliable national highway infrastructure.
