Exempted FASTag for Divyangjan: 3 & 5-Year Validity 2026
Divyangjan and persons with disabilities (PwD) no longer need to renew their toll-exempt FASTag every year. Under revised Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines, the tag’s validity now depends on the disability percentage on your certificate:
- 70–100% disability: 5 years
- 40% to under 70% disability: 3 years
The guidelines took effect on 2 October 2026, a day after MoRTH announced them.
Key Takeaways
- The old rule required Divyangjan to renew their exempted FASTag every year.
- Validity is now 5 years for 70–100% disability and 3 years for 40% to under 70%.
- Eligibility is checked against the disability percentage in a valid Disability Certificate, a UDID Card, or other applicable records.
- After the 3 or 5 years end, you can renew, as long as you are still eligible and comply with the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
Old Rule vs New Rule
| Disability recorded | Before 2 Oct 2026 | From 2 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 70% – 100% | Renew every year | Valid for 5 years |
| 40% – less than 70% | Renew every year | Valid for 3 years |
The 40% cut-off matches the “benchmark disability” threshold in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Which Vehicles Qualify for an Exempted FASTag?
The exemption is tied to the vehicle as well as the person. Two categories qualify:
- Vehicles specially designed and built for use by persons with physical disabilities.
- Vehicles registered under the ownership type “Divyangjan”.
If your car is a regular private vehicle that is not registered under the Divyangjan ownership type, the exemption will not apply automatically. Check the ownership details on your RC with your RTO first. Keeping a virtual RC on mParivahan makes it easy to have your registration details ready when you apply.
Documents You Should Keep Ready
The new framework relies on officially recorded disability data, so keep these ready:
- UDID Card (Unique Disability ID) or a valid Disability Certificate showing the disability percentage
- Registration Certificate (RC) showing the Divyangjan ownership type or the adapted-vehicle details
- Identity proof of the beneficiary
- Your current FASTag details, if you already hold an exempted tag
Tip: Make sure the name on your UDID card matches the name on your RC exactly. Mismatches in spelling or initials are a common reason applications get stuck.
Why MoRTH Changed the Rule
Annual renewal meant repeated paperwork and the risk of being charged at a toll plaza when the tag lapsed. The ministry says the revised framework aims to make issuing and renewing these tags more uniform and to cut down on repeated procedural formalities. MoRTH adds that the change keeps toll exemptions administered according to the prescribed rules and eligibility requirements.
What Existing Exempted FASTag Holders Should Do
The official announcement does not explain how tags issued before 2 October 2026 will move to the longer validity. Until that is clarified:
- Check your tag’s current expiry date with your FASTag issuer bank or in its app.
- Ask your issuer whether your next renewal will get 3-year or 5-year validity based on your UDID percentage.
- Don’t let the tag lapse. If it expires, standard toll charges can apply at fee plazas.
- Call the National Highways helpline 1033 for toll or FASTag problems on national highways.
Important Limits to Know
- The exemption applies at fee plazas on National Highways under the NH Fee Rules, 2008. Toll roads run by states or private concessionaires under state rules may follow their own exemption policies.
- The exempted FASTag is different from the FASTag Annual Pass. The Annual Pass is a ₹3,075 one-time payment valid for one year or 200 toll crossings and does not depend on disability status. An eligible Divyangjan vehicle does not need it.
- A disability percentage below 40% does not fall in either validity band under these guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exempted FASTag?
It is a FASTag issued to an eligible vehicle so that it is not charged user fees at National Highway toll plazas. It works like a normal tag at the lane, but no toll is deducted.
From when does the new FASTag validity rule apply?
The revised guidelines apply from 2 October 2026.
How long is an exempted FASTag valid for 75% disability?
Five years. Anyone with 70% to 100% recorded disability gets 5-year validity.
Is the UDID card mandatory?
The guidelines accept a valid Disability Certificate, a UDID Card, or other applicable records. The UDID card is the most widely accepted national document, so it is the safest option.
Can I renew after 5 years?
Yes. Renewal is allowed after the validity period, subject to continued eligibility and the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.
Does this apply to commercial vehicles?
No. It covers vehicles specially built for persons with disabilities and vehicles registered under the Divyangjan ownership type.
Bottom Line
The new exempted FASTag rules for Divyangjan replace yearly renewal with 3- or 5-year validity linked to the disability percentage in your UDID card or certificate. Make sure your RC shows the right ownership type and your documents match, and confirm your tag’s next renewal date with your issuer.