FASTag Annual Pass – Starting July 15, 2025, a major shift in India’s toll collection system will impact millions of two-wheeler owners. The government has officially discontinued the FASTag Annual Pass for two-wheelers, leading to a surge of concern and confusion. Under the new rule, all two-wheelers—regardless of whether they use national highways or not—will be subject to extra toll charges. This change is part of the government’s larger plan to unify toll collection mechanisms and reduce evasion. But for everyday commuters, especially in rural and urban fringe areas, this could mean paying more for infrastructure they rarely use.
Why Was the FASTag Annual Pass Discontinued?
The FASTag Annual Pass was introduced to simplify toll payments and provide convenience to two-wheeler users. However, multiple misuse cases and policy loopholes have led the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to end the pass facility.
- Government claims wide-scale misuse of annual passes.
- Several vehicles were bypassing real-time toll deductions.
- Authorities aim to switch to a usage-based dynamic toll system.
- Simplification of toll collection across all vehicle categories.
New FASTag Rules for Two-Wheelers From July 15
Starting July 15, the government will enforce new FASTag rules specifically for two-wheelers. Under this update, all two-wheeler owners must have an active FASTag linked to their vehicle, and toll charges will be applicable even if the bike doesn’t travel on highways. The move aims to standardize toll collection and reduce misuse of the previous annual pass system, bringing two-wheelers under the same digital toll monitoring as other vehicles.
As per the revised toll policy, the following will now apply:
- Two-wheelers must be registered with an active FASTag.
- Even non-highway users are subject to a fixed annual toll.
- Toll charges will be deducted monthly or quarterly based on registration zone.
- Cameras and RFID will track movement through city routes and national highways.
- No exemptions for rural routes that intersect with toll-eligible zones.
Monthly Charges and Tracking Zones: Know the New System
The new toll system uses geo-zoning, where two-wheelers are charged based on their home registration district. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Zone Category | Region Type | Monthly Toll (₹) | Annual Toll (₹) | Toll Applies to Non-Highway Use? | Mandatory FASTag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | Metro Cities | ₹150 | ₹1,500 | Yes | Yes |
| Zone B | Tier-2 Cities | ₹100 | ₹1,200 | Yes | Yes |
| Zone C | Rural Districts | ₹60 | ₹800 | Sometimes | Yes |
| Border Zones | Highway-Heavy Areas | ₹200 | ₹2,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Reserved Areas | Remote/Rural Exempt | ₹0 | ₹0 | No | Optional |
| Educational Use | School-Only Use | ₹50 | ₹500 | Yes | Yes |
| Business Zone | City Commercial | ₹180 | ₹1,800 | Yes | Yes |
| Exemption Zones | Gov. Vehicles | ₹0 | ₹0 | No | Yes (Tagged) |
Impact on Common Two-Wheeler Owners
This change directly affects over 12 crore two-wheeler owners across India. Those who only use their bikes for local errands or work commutes on internal roads will now face toll deductions based on location and time—even without using highways.
Key impacts:
- Monthly deductions from linked FASTag wallets.
- Compulsory FASTag installation for new registrations.
- Higher operating costs for delivery partners, gig workers, and students.
- Tighter monitoring of two-wheeler movements via toll cameras.
Government’s Justification and Public Reactions
MoRTH has stated that the new policy helps ensure better road maintenance and funding for infrastructure, especially in high-traffic zones. But the public response has been mixed, with many calling it an unfair charge on citizens who don’t use national highways.
Feedback highlights:
- Urban riders feel penalized for short-distance travel.
- Delivery drivers, who cross city zones frequently, see rising monthly costs.
- Student organizations are demanding a rollback or discount scheme.
- Rural residents claim the toll system is misaligned with their actual road use.
FASTag Recharge and Penalty Policy
Two-wheeler riders must keep their FASTag wallets recharged at all times. Failure to maintain balance can lead to penalties or a red-flag status in the national vehicle database.
| Scenario | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Insufficient Balance | Penalty of ₹200 + blacklisting after 7 days |
| No FASTag Installed | Fine of ₹500 during RTO inspection |
| Repeated Toll Avoidance | Vehicle flagged, registration suspended |
| Fake/Inactive FASTag Use | ₹1,000 fine and possible legal action |
| Expired Annual Payment | Auto-debit starts as monthly deduction |
Special Exceptions and Support Measures
The government has introduced a few support measures to help with the transition:
- Free FASTag installation until August 15.
- 50% discount on toll for students and senior citizens (to be verified by ID).
- Helpline setup for dispute redressal (FASTag Toll Assist: 1800-xxxx-xxxx).
- Digital toll calculator app launched for rural riders to estimate charges.
FAQs
Q1. Will I be charged even if I don’t ride on highways?
Yes, toll deductions will occur based on your zone, even for local rides within city limits.
Q2. Is FASTag now mandatory for all two-wheelers?
Yes, starting July 15, all two-wheelers must have a valid FASTag.
Q3. How do I know which zone I fall under?
You can check your zone via the FASTag App or by entering your vehicle registration number on the MoRTH portal.
Q4. Are there any exemptions available?
Only select rural and government-operated vehicles may get exemption. Others must follow the new toll policy.
Q5. What if I have balance issues or missed recharges?
You will be penalized ₹200 after 7 days of non-payment and may face vehicle registration suspension.