And in case you believe that there are no long-term effects of not paying the tolls, then you must get a reality check, because the consequences of the act of evading the payment of the tolls to the Indian government may be much larger than the one-time fining. Unpaid tolls have the power to put grinding halt to selling your vehicle, renewing its fitness certificate or even getting a national permit.
It is time to know what is changing, why, and how to remain on the correct side of the law.
What is the New Policy on Unpaid Toll Dues?
As FASTag and digital tolling continues to grow at a rapid pace on the national highways, the government is now equipped with the real-time information on the toll history of each and every vehicle running through the highways. In case of non-payment of the tolls, whether it was not paid by reason of lack of sufficient balance, blacklisted FASTag, or avoidance, the tolls should be charged as toll debts against the vehicle.
With the new enforcement procedures, the vehicles that are owed toll will not receive access to the essential services associated with transport including:
- Disposing of cars or ownership.
- Renewal of fitness certificates.
- Issuing or renewing of national permits.
Simple terms: No payment of tolls, no paperwork.
Implication of Unpaid Toll on Selling of Vehicles.
Intending to sell your car or commercial car? Consider whether you have outstanding tolls.
Upon filing an application to transfer ownership of a vehicle via the RTO, the system will look into any outstanding payments associated with the vehicle such as toll arrears. In case of unpaid toll amounts:
- Rejection or put on hold of transfer application.
- Seller should pay off all the dues of the tolls.
- The sale process becomes endless indefinitely.
This regulation is particularly relevant to the sellers and dealers of used vehicles, since it now requires them to have a spotless toll payment record before listing a vehicle.
Renewal of Fitness Certificate in danger.
It requires a fitness certificate (FC) particularly in commercial and old vehicles. You are deemed to be illegal on the road with no valid FC.
Now unpaid toll dues may stand in the way of FC renewal by:
- Labeling the vehicle as a non-compliant.
- How to prevent the Vahan system approval.
- Resulting in fines in case the car remains in operation.
To transport operators this may translate to loss of business, seizure of vehicles or hefty fines.
National Permit? Only If Toll Dues Are Clear
Commercial vehicles which travel through various states need a National Permit. This license is vital to trucks, buses and logistic fleets.
In case of the more stringent rules concerning the compliance of the toll:
- The National Permit applications can be rejected.
- Current permits can not be renewed.
- Car models might be confined to state lines.
To fleet owners, some inconsistent unpaid tolls would tear apart full supply chains and cause loss of money.
The Question of Why the Government Is Doing so.
The motive of this step is evident:
- Minimize toll evasion in the national highways.
- Give equitable collection of revenue towards infrastructure building.
- Make digital transparency with FASTag.
- Enhance adherence among the private and commercial car owners.
The toll revenue contributes significantly to maintenance and development with huge investment on highways and expressways.
Popularly Unpaid Toll Dues Reasons.
Not all vehicle owners avoid paying the tolls willfully. Some common reasons include:
- FASTag balance not updated
- FASTag is blacklisted as a result of KYC problems.
- Toll plaza technical issues.
- Ignoring SMS or application notifications.
However, unfortunately, the owner of the vehicle is at fault with the reason why.
Checking and clearing of Unpaid Toll Dues.
To prevent further trouble, it is enough to follow these simple steps:
- Check FASTag balance through bank applications or FASTag portals (regularly).
- Keep track of SMS/email notifications following highway transportation.
- Update FASTag KYC on time
- Wipe off any pending tolls instantaneously using authorized platforms.
It is better to be proactive and save yourself rather big headaches in the future.
Final Thoughts
Unpaid tolls are no longer a small problem that can be ignored. Direct connection with vehicle sale, fitness certificates, and national permits, even minor pending payments can cause enormous legal and financial stalemates.
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