No Fitness Certificate or Vehicle Sale if Toll Dues Unpaid: New Rules Announced

The government has introduced stricter rules to curb toll evasion under the push for a barrier-free toll system on national highways. According to the revised Central Motor Vehicle Rules, vehicles whose owners fail to pay tolls on NHAI roads will not be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Without an NOC, the vehicle will not receive a fitness renewal certificate, nor will the owner be able to sell it. The NOC can only be issued after the pending toll dues are cleared.

Amendments to Motor Vehicle Rules
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, which are now in effect. Officials said these measures are necessary as India moves towards implementing a barrier-free toll system, where toll plazas will no longer exist on highways. This rule is intended to prevent toll evasion by drivers who do not maintain sufficient balance in their accounts.

Changes in Unpaid User Fee and Form-28
The revised rules also include amendments related to the Unpaid User Fee (UU Fee) under the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system. Vehicles recorded by the ETC but not paying the full toll as per the National Highways Act, 1956, will face restrictions.

Additionally, Form-28, required during vehicle transfer between states, has been updated. The form must now include a declaration confirming that no toll dues remain pending, in addition to existing details regarding taxes, fines, and legal matters.

These changes aim to strengthen compliance and ensure smooth implementation of the upcoming barrier-free toll system.