FASTag 2026 Updates: New Toll Rules, Penalties and Changes

By Amit Jangra | Published Date : January 23, 2026

From 2026, FASTag is mandatory, cash banned, VAHAN verification required and penalties apply for invalid tags. KYV step removed for new FASTags.

FASTag is now a must for everyone driving on highways in India. Whether you have trucks, mini trucks, pickups, buses, or 3 wheelers, you need it. Earlier, FASTag was only for paying tolls without cash. Now it is a big digital rule. As roads get busier, FASTag helps save time and cuts long lines at tolls.

The government made some changes in 2026. These are to stop misuse, make toll checking better and make highway travel smoother. Many drivers still think FASTag works like before. But small mistakes, like low balance or wrong tag, can now cause extra charges or penalties.

Cashless Toll Payments Are Now Mandatory

Table of Contents

1. Cashless Toll Payments Are Now Mandatory

2. VAHAN Verification Is Now Required

3. Toll Charges Without FASTag

4. KYV Step Removed

5. Bottom Line

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From April 1, 2026, cash will not be accepted at any national highway toll plaza. Drivers must use FASTag or digital payment like UPI. Before starting your journey, check your FASTag balance.

These rules are for trucks, pickups, buses, mini trucks and three-wheelers. Paying without cash will make tolls faster, cut long lines and help Digital India. Using cash or invalid FASTag can double your toll charges.

VAHAN Verification Is Now Required

Before activating FASTag, vehicle verification is now needed. This is done through VAHAN database, India’s official vehicle records.

• Banks and FASTag companies check vehicle details first.
• If VAHAN doesn’t have your info, they check the RC.
• FASTag is activated only after correct verification.

This ensures that trucks, pickups, buses, mini trucks and 3 wheelers are properly registered and misuse is reduced.

Toll Charges Without FASTag

If you travel without FASTag, tolls are higher:

• FASTag: Normal toll fee, no extra charge.
• UPI (no FASTag): 25% more.
• Cash (no FASTag): Double toll.
• Invalid or blacklisted FASTag: Toll + penalty.

Annual FASTag pass is also useful. Cars, jeeps, vans and small trucks or pickups can buy this. ₹3,000 covers 200 tolls and it’s ideal for frequent travelers.

KYV Step Removed

Earlier, every FASTag needed Know Your Vehicle (KYV) step after activation. It was slow and confusing.

Now from February 1, 2026:

• New FASTags do not need KYV.
• Verification happens before activation via VAHAN.
• Old FASTags only need KYV if there is a problem.

Bottom Line

FASTag 2026 rules are now strict for trucks, mini trucks, pickups, buses and 3 wheelers. Cash is banned, VAHAN verification is needed and KYV is removed. Follow the rules to avoid fines and travel smoothly.

You Might  Like: Government Amends Vehicle Rules to Stop Toll Evasion

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Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Vehicles

1. Is FASTag mandatory for all vehicles in 2026?

Ans: Yes, trucks, buses, pickups, mini trucks and three-wheelers must use FASTag.

2. What happens if I pay toll without FASTag?

Ans: Paying with cash doubles the toll and UPI without FASTag adds 25%. Invalid or blacklisted FASTag incurs toll plus penalties.

3. Do new FASTags need KYV?

Ans: No, KYV is removed for new FASTags. Verification is done via VAHAN before activation.

4. Can I buy an annual FASTag pass?

Ans:  Yes, cars, jeeps, vans and small trucks can buy a ₹3,000 pass covering 200 tolls.

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