National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 come into force with e-notices and double charge for unpaid toll
The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 came into effect on 17 March 2026, introducing e-notices for unpaid tolls, a charge of twice the toll if not paid within 72 hours, and VAHAN-linked restrictions after 15 days.
Summary
The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, came into effect on 17 March 2026 to strengthen digital enforcement of tolls as barrier-free tolling expands. The rules define 'unpaid user fee' as toll due from a vehicle whose passage was recorded by Electronic Toll Collection infrastructure but not paid, and set up an e-notice system under Rule 14 sent by SMS, email, apps or a portal. The unpaid fee becomes twice the toll, but only the original fee is due if paid within 72 hours; representations can be filed within 72 hours and must be decided within five days or the claim lapses. Dues unpaid beyond 15 days will be recorded in VAHAN, and vehicle-related services may be restricted until they are cleared.
Key facts
- In force
- 17 March 2026
- Rules
- NH Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026
- Mechanism
- E-notice under Rule 14
- Penalty
- Twice the toll; original fee if paid within 72 hours
- Grievance
- Representation within 72 hours; decided within 5 days or claim lapses
- After 15 days
- Recorded in VAHAN; vehicle services may be restricted
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, what is payable if an unpaid toll is settled after 72 hours of the e-notice?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Twice the toll
The unpaid user fee is twice the applicable toll; only the original fee is payable if paid within 72 hours of the e-notice.
Consider the following about the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. A representation against an e-notice must be disposed of within five days, failing which the claim lapses. 2. Unpaid dues are recorded in the VAHAN system if they remain unpaid beyond 30 days. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: dues are recorded in VAHAN if unpaid beyond 15 days with no pending representation.