Karnataka Leads FASTag Penalty Collections in FY 2024–25

FASTag Penalties, UPI Relaxation and Annual Pass: Key Highway Updates

Karnataka has emerged as the highest collector of FASTag-related penalties in India during the 2024–25 financial year , reflecting ongoing challenges in the transition to fully digital tolling. According to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways , the State collected ₹129.91 crore as double user fees from motorists who either did not use FASTag or had invalid or non-functional tags at toll plazas.

State-wise Penalty Collection Trends

Karnataka was followed by Maharashtra , which collected ₹110.64 crore , while Uttar Pradesh ranked third with ₹81.06 crore . Other States reporting significant collections include Gujarat (₹78.59 crore) , Tamil Nadu (₹71.82 crore) , Haryana (₹71.67 crore) and Rajasthan (₹62.35 crore) . These figures represent penalties imposed under the rule mandating double toll payment for vehicles without valid FASTags.

FASTag Rules and Practical Issues

All toll plaza lanes were declared FASTag-only lanes from February 15, 2021 . Vehicles without a valid and functional FASTag are required to pay twice the applicable toll fee . However, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) clarified that high penalty collections do not necessarily indicate deliberate non-compliance. Common reasons include insufficient balance, damaged or improperly affixed tags, blacklisted FASTags, or lack of awareness about tag inactivity.

Partial Relaxation Through UPI

To ease the burden on motorists, the Union government announced a partial relaxation . From November 15, 2025 , non-FASTag users paying toll via UPI will be charged 1.25 times the toll instead of double the amount applicable to cash payments. This change was made by amending the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 .

FASTag Annual Pass for Frequent Users

Additionally, the FASTag Annual Pass , launched on August 15, 2025 , allows non-commercial vehicle owners to pay ₹3,000 for 200 toll crossings or one year , whichever is earlier. Available via the Rajmargyatra app and NHAI website , the pass aims to reduce recharge hassles and promote seamless digital travel.

What to Note for Exams?

• Karnataka topped FASTag penalty collections in FY 2024–25.

• Double toll applies to vehicles without valid FASTags.

• UPI users get a reduced penalty of 1.25× toll from Nov 2025.

• FASTag Annual Pass costs ₹3,000 for 200 crossings.