The government has extended the validity period of exempted FASTags (free passage) for persons with disabilities (PwD) who own vehicles. The validity period can now be up to five years, depending on the degree of disability. These updated regulations will take effect from October 2, which is observed as Gandhi Day.
Vehicles specially designed and built for PwD, as well as those registered under the ownership type 'Divyangjan' according to the Motor Vehicles Act and rules, are exempt from toll charges on national highways. Previously, the validity period for such exempted FASTags was one year.
In a communication sent to NHAI, the Ministry of Road Transport specified that for PwD with a disability of 70% to 100%, the preferential FASTag will be valid for five years. For those whose disability level exceeds 40% but is less than 70%, the validity period will be three years.
The Ministry linked the validity period of these tags to the percentage of disability indicated in the current disability certificate, Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, or other applicable documents. After this, the tags will be renewed provided the right to benefits is maintained and the National Highway Toll Collection Rules are complied with.
According to the Ministry's statement, this change was aimed at eliminating the need for constant fulfillment of procedural requirements for issuing exempted FASTags to owners of Divyangjan/PwD vehicles entitled to benefits.