What is FASTag Exemption?

The free FASTag exemption refers to the special status granted to specific categories of vehicles not required to pay toll fees on National Highways in India. While these vehicles are exempt from paying, they must still use FASTag stickers for seamless passage through toll plazas.

Key points about FASTag's new rules:

1. Legal basis: The exemption is rooted in Rule 11 of the National Highways Fees Rules, 2008, which outlines categories of vehicles exempt from paying user fees.
    
2. Mandatory FASTag: Despite being exempt from payment, these vehicles must display a special exempt FASTag for identification and smooth transit.
    
3. Free issuance: The FASTags toll exemption is free of cost to eligible vehicles.
    
4. Purpose: The exemption system aims to facilitate the movement of essential services, VIPs, and specially designated vehicles without compromising the efficiency of electronic toll collection.
    
5. Categories: Exemptions cover a wide range of vehicles, from those used by high-ranking government officials to emergency services and vehicles for disabled persons.
    
6. Digital integration: By requiring exempt vehicles to use FASTags, the system ensures all cars passing through toll plazas are accounted for digitally, enhancing overall traffic management and security.

Understanding FASTag rules is crucial for eligible vehicle owners and operators to ensure compliance with current regulations while benefiting from toll-free travel on National Highways.

Below is the toll tax-free list of exempted categories of vehicles:

Steps For Exempted Fastag Online Application:

Exempted vehicles are required to use FASTag stickers despite being excluded from paying user fees at NH-operated toll plazas. This ensures that all vehicles plying through ETC-operated toll plazas use FASTag for seamless movement. Also, new ambulances and funeral vehicles can apply for FASTag exemption under this category.

As per NH Fee Rule 2008 and subsequent amendments, exempted FASTag will be issued free of cost to all vehicles under this category. Read the steps below if you're interested in an exempted FAStag apply. Before you understand how to apply for an exempted FASTag, below are the required documents while submitting the application form:

Documents for Exempted FASTag Application:

Scanned copies of the below documents are required while applying the exempted FASTag:

• Duly Filled Application Form
   
• Registration Certificate (RC) of the Vehicle
   
• Identification Proof (ID Proof) – Aadhaar, DL, PAN, Govt. ID Proof, Voter ID
   
• Proof of Exemption as applicable

Online Application Process For Exempted Fastag:

Below are the steps to apply for the Exempted FASTag through the web portal of the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL):

Registration Process

Step 1: Visit the IHMCL website and register yourself by providing your name, email address, mobile number, and the city you reside.

Step 2: Upon successful registration, your User ID and Password will be sent to your email address.

Application Process:

Step 1: Log in to the IHMCL web portal with your Username and Password.

Step 2: Download the application form for exempted FASTag from the Dashboard

Step 3: Click on the “Upload Form” and follow the process below:

• Select the exempted category listed in the above table
   
• Select the respective NHAI FASTag Regional Office (RO) to apply.
   
• Enter the exempted applicant’s name, mobile number, and email address.
   
• Enter the vehicle registration number for which the exempted FASTag.
   
• Upload the scanned copies of the below documents:
   
• RC of the vehicle.
   
• ID Proof
   
• Proof of Exemption
   
• Duly filled and signed application form

Step 4: Click on “Submit” to complete the application process and you will receive an auto-reply email along with the Application Case ID to your email address.

Post-Application Process:

Step 1: Check the status of your application on the web portal.

Step 2: If there are any observations, you must submit the required documents or clarifications to process your application.

Step 3: If your application is approved, you will receive an approval or issuance of exempted FASTag with details to your registered email address.

Step 4: You are required to collect the exempted FASTag sticker from the respective Regional Office of NHAI.

List Of Regional Offices of The NHAI:

Below are the NHAI FASTag RO’s name, address, and email ID:

Fastag Exemption Vs. Regular Fastag: Key Differences

While both exempt and regular FASTags serve the purpose of electronic toll collection, there are several key differences between the two:

Understanding these differences is crucial for vehicle owners to choose the right type of FASTag and ensure compliance with toll collection regulations on National Highways.

If you have any queries or require any help with regards to exempted FASTag, you can write to:

Conclusion

Implementing FASTag and electronic toll collection on National Highways has brought immense benefits like reduced congestion, time savings, and transparency. However, specific vehicle categories are rightfully exempted from paying toll fees. Though exempted, they are still required to affix FASTags for uniform compliance. The process to avail of exempted FASTags has been simplified with online registration. 

With extensive coverage across toll plazas, standardised processes, and various customer support services, exempted FASTag has become faster and more efficient. Usage of FASTags across all vehicle categories (4-wheelers) will further minimise leakage and help authorities maintain highways more effectively through electronic tolling proceeds. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More:

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