The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced revised exempted-FASTag guidelines on October 1, replacing annual renewal with longer validity periods for eligible persons with disabilities. The ministry said the changes would take effect on October 2.
An exempted tag issued for a recorded disability of 70 to 100 per cent will be valid for five years. The period will be three years for 40 per cent to below 70 per cent. The applicable percentage must be supported by a valid disability certificate, Unique Disability Identity card or another accepted record.
The announcement covers eligible specially designed vehicles and vehicles registered under the Divyangjan ownership category. Renewal remains subject to continued eligibility and the National Highways Fee Rules. It does not establish an automatic toll exemption for every vehicle carrying a disabled passenger, or confirm that every existing tag’s expiry has already changed.