FASTag rules for eligible persons with disabilities have been revised, with the new guidelines taking effect from October 2, 2026. The changes are aimed at simplifying the process for obtaining and renewing concessional or exempted FASTags and reducing repeated documentation for eligible users.

According to the information supplied, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a more standardised validity framework for FASTags issued to eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwDs/Divyangjan).

One of the most important changes concerns the validity period. Instead of requiring the same frequent renewal process for everyone, the validity of an eligible FASTag can now depend on the percentage of disability recorded in recognised documents.

Under the reported framework, eligible individuals with a disability of 70% to 100% can receive a FASTag valid for five years, while those with disability of 40% to below 70% can receive validity for three years, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.

FASTag Rules for PwDs Change From October 2

The revised guidelines apply from October 2, 2026.

They are intended to make toll-related concessions easier to access for eligible persons with disabilities while establishing consistent procedures for issuing such FASTags across the country.

The facility is linked to eligibility under the applicable highway-fee rules and should not be interpreted as a general toll discount for every person holding a disability certificate.

The vehicle category, registration details and supporting disability documentation remain important.

New FASTag Validity Based on Disability Percentage

A major change is the introduction of longer validity periods linked to the degree of disability.

According to the supplied information:

Once the applicable validity period ends, the beneficiary can seek renewal subject to the eligibility conditions and documentation prescribed under the relevant rules.

This is intended to reduce the burden of repeated annual renewal for eligible users.

Earlier Renewal Requirement Changed

Under the earlier process described in the report, beneficiaries could be required to renew their concessional FASTag every year.

The revised framework provides a longer validity period.

For example, an eligible individual with an 80% disability would fall within the 70%-100% bracket and could receive a tag with validity of up to five years under the reported guidelines.

Similarly, an eligible individual with a 50% disability would fall within the 40%-below-70% category, for which the reported validity is three years.

However, the disability percentage alone should not be considered sufficient in every case. The vehicle and applicant must also satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.

Which Vehicles Can Get the Benefit?

According to the supplied report, the rules cover eligible vehicles specially designed or constructed for use by persons with disabilities as well as vehicles registered under the relevant Divyangjan ownership category, subject to the applicable conditions.

This distinction is important.

The change does not mean that every vehicle driven by or carrying a person with a disability automatically becomes eligible for free or discounted toll travel.

Eligibility depends on the classification of the vehicle and the requirements specified under the applicable National Highways fee framework.

Vehicle owners should therefore check their registration certificate and the applicable category before applying.

Which Documents Can Be Required?

The disability percentage used for determining the applicable validity period can be established through recognised documentation.

According to the supplied information, this may include:

• Disability certificate.
• Unique Disability ID (UDID) card.
• Other documents accepted under the applicable rules.
• Vehicle registration documents.
• Identification and other information required for FASTag processing.

Applicants should ensure that the information across their disability and vehicle records is consistent.

Any discrepancy in the name, vehicle category or other essential information could lead to delays during verification.

What Is a UDID Card?

The Unique Disability ID, or UDID, is part of the government's system for creating standardised identification and records for persons with disabilities.

Under the revised FASTag process described in the report, information contained in an eligible beneficiary's UDID card can be used for verifying the disability percentage.

Using recognised digital or standardised documentation can also reduce the need to repeatedly submit the same information during renewal.

Why Has the Government Changed the Rules?

The objective is to make the tolling system more accessible and reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles.

Annual renewal can require eligible beneficiaries to repeatedly complete verification and submit documents even when their underlying disability status has not changed.

Extending FASTag validity to three or five years can reduce that burden.

At the same time, linking the benefit to recognised eligibility documents is intended to ensure that the toll concession reaches people who qualify under the rules.

Does a 70% Disability Mean a 70% Toll Discount?

No. This is an important distinction.

The percentages mentioned in the revised framework refer to the certified degree of disability used for determining the FASTag validity period.

They should not be interpreted as the percentage of toll discount.

For example, a person with an 80% disability does not automatically receive an “80% toll discount” merely because the certificate shows 80%.

The toll benefit itself continues to depend on the concession or exemption available under the applicable highway-fee rules.

What Happens When the FASTag Expires?

An eligible beneficiary can apply for renewal after the three-year or five-year validity period expires.

Renewal will be subject to the eligibility requirements and procedures applicable at that time.

Users should therefore not assume that the tag will remain permanently valid without any future verification.

Before expiry, it is advisable to check the validity status and initiate the prescribed renewal procedure in time to avoid interruption of the benefit.

FASTag Annual Pass Is a Separate Facility

The report also discusses the FASTag Annual Pass, but this should not be confused with the PwD/Divyangjan concession.

They are separate arrangements.

The Annual Pass is intended for eligible private, non-commercial vehicles and provides a defined number of crossings or validity period after payment of the applicable fee.

The disability-related FASTag facility, on the other hand, is based on eligibility under toll-exemption or concession rules.

Therefore, the new three-year and five-year validity periods for eligible persons with disabilities should not be interpreted as changes to the standard FASTag Annual Pass.

What Is the FASTag Annual Pass?

According to the supplied information, the Annual Pass facility is available for eligible non-commercial private vehicles.

The report cites a one-time payment of ₹3,075, with validity for one year or up to 200 eligible toll-plaza crossings, whichever applicable limit is reached first, under the cited arrangement.

The report also says the facility can be activated digitally through the government's highway-travel application.

Drivers considering an Annual Pass should check the current official fee and applicable toll-plaza coverage at the time of activation, as rates and conditions can be revised.

Who Benefits Most From the New PwD FASTag Rules?

The biggest practical benefit is likely to be for eligible people who previously had to complete the renewal process more frequently.

Someone qualifying for five-year validity could avoid repeated annual paperwork during that period.

Similarly, a person qualifying for three-year validity gets a longer period before another renewal is required.

This can be particularly useful for beneficiaries who find repeated travel to offices or repeated document submission difficult.

New FASTag Rules at a Glance

What Eligible Vehicle Owners Should Do

Persons with disabilities who believe their vehicle qualifies for the toll benefit should first check the category recorded on the vehicle's Registration Certificate.

They should also keep their valid disability certificate or UDID details available and ensure that the information matches other official records.

Existing beneficiaries should check the validity of their FASTag rather than assuming that an old tag has automatically received a three-year or five-year extension.

Where fresh verification or renewal is required, the procedure should be completed through authorised FASTag and highway channels.

Key Takeaway for FASTag Users

The October 2 change is primarily intended to make FASTag concessions easier to manage for eligible persons with disabilities.

Under the reported rules, eligible beneficiaries with 40% to below 70% disability can receive three-year validity, while those with 70% to 100% disability can receive five-year validity, subject to the prescribed conditions.

The change reduces the need for frequent renewals, but it does not create a universal FASTag discount for every person with a disability.

It is also separate from the FASTag Annual Pass available to eligible private non-commercial vehicles.

Vehicle owners should therefore verify their eligibility, vehicle-registration category and supporting documents before applying for or renewing the concession.