Govt Strengthens Toll Enforcement Framework with New Overload Rules

New Delhi, Apr 14 (KNN) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, introducing a revised framework to streamline fee collection for overloaded vehicles and strengthen enforcement.

The amended rules, which will come into effect from April 15, 2026, revise provisions under Rule 10 governing the levy of fees on vehicles exceeding permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). The move is aimed at improving compliance with load norms, enhancing road safety and protecting highway infrastructure.

Under the new structure, no overload fee will be levied for vehicles carrying up to 10 per cent excess load. Vehicles overloaded between 10 per cent and 40 per cent will be charged twice the base rate, while those exceeding 40 per cent overload will attract a fee four times the base rate.

The rules mandate the use of certified weighment systems at toll plazas to determine overloading. In the absence of such facilities, no overload fee will be charged, ensuring transparency in enforcement.

To promote digital compliance, all overload fees will be collected exclusively through FASTag, with details of such violations recorded and reported to the VAHAN database. Vehicles entering highways without a valid FASTag will continue to be subject to existing penalties.

The amendment also provides that projects implemented under earlier private concession agreements will not be automatically covered unless concessionaires opt to adopt the revised provisions.

According to the ministry, the changes are expected to reduce road damage caused by overloading, improve regulatory compliance and enable more efficient freight movement across the national highway network.

(KNN Bureau)