Government of India Revises Guidelines for Issuance of Exempted FASTags for Divyangjan and PwD Vehicles
New Delhi / Jammu: In a major initiative aimed at promoting ‘Ease of Living’ and simplifying toll passage across the National Highway network, the Government of India has officially revised the guidelines governing the issuance and renewal of exempted FASTags for eligible Divyangjan and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
The revised framework, which comes into effect from October 2, 2026, is tailored to eliminate repetitive bureaucratic paperwork and bring nationwide uniformity to the toll exemption mechanism.
Key Policy Shifts at a Glance
- Exempted FASTag validity now linked directly to disability percentage recorded on UDID card/Disability Certificate.
- Elimination of compulsory annual renewal visits for long-term beneficiaries.
- Valid for both specially adapted vehicles and personal vehicles registered under the ‘Divyangjan’ ownership category.
Under the updated framework, exempted FASTags will be issued based on the recorded percentage of disability certified in a valid Disability Certificate, Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card, or applicable official records. The benefit covers vehicles adapted and constructed for physical disability use, as well as passenger vehicles registered under the ownership type ‘Divyangjan’.
New Tiered Validity Structure
Under previous guidelines, Divyangjan beneficiaries were required to undergo procedural renewal formalities annually. The newly notified structure replaces this requirement with multi-year lifespans:
| Disability Tier | Document Requirement | FASTag Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 70% to 100% | Valid UDID Card / Disability Certificate | 5 Years |
| 40% to less than 70% | Valid UDID Card / Disability Certificate | 3 Years |
The Ministry noted that exempted FASTags may be renewed upon expiry, subject to continuous eligibility and compliance with statutory provisions set forth under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
The revised provisions are designed to make India’s National Highway tolling infrastructure significantly more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly for Divyangjan and PwD vehicle owners, ensuring genuine beneficiaries experience frictionless mobility across national toll plazas.