Govt Tightens Rules on Overloaded Vehicles, Revises Highway Fees
New Delhi, April 15 (BNP) – The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified amendments to the National Highways fee rules, introducing a revised framework to regulate and penalise overloaded vehicles.
The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026 will come into effect from April 15.
Under the revised norms, vehicles carrying up to 10% excess load will not be charged an additional fee. However, those overloaded between 10% and 40% will pay twice the base toll, while vehicles exceeding 40% over the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight will be charged four times the base rate.
The ministry said the changes aim to improve compliance with load limits, enhance road safety and reduce damage to highway infrastructure.
Overloading will be assessed using certified weighment systems installed at toll plazas, and no overload fee will be levied where such facilities are unavailable. The rules also mandate digital payment of overload charges through FASTag and require reporting of violations to the VAHAN national vehicle database.
Additionally, vehicles without valid FASTag will attract penalties under existing provisions.
The amended rules will not automatically apply to certain older private concession projects unless operators agree to adopt them.
Officials said the move is expected to streamline enforcement, promote fair fee collection and ensure safer, more efficient freight movement on national highways.
