E-notice for unpaid user fee at tolls: National Highways Fee Rules, 2026, outline penalties, grievance redressal and more

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2026, introducing a structured system to track and recover unpaid toll charges. The rules came into effect on March 17, 2026. The central government has notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026.

What changes do National Highways Fee Rules, 2026, have related to highway users?

Under the revised structure, a recovery mechanism for unpaid user fees has been introduced to strengthen digital toll collection enforcement, particularly in the context of evolving barrier-free tolling systems, as well as to ensure efficient and transparent user fee realisation on national highways.

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What is an e- notice?

The structured recovery mechanism for unpaid user fee, notified under Rule 14, includes a technology-driven electronic notice (e-notice) system.

Under this system, electronic notices (e-notice) will be issued to registered vehicle owners specifying vehicle details, date and location of passage, and the amount payable.

How will e-notices be served to users?

These e-notices will be served through SMS, email, mobile-based applications, or other electronic means, and can also be checked on a designated online portal.

What will be the amount of an e-notice payment?

The unpaid user fee payable to an e-notice will be twice the applicable toll amount. However, if the amount is paid within 72 hours of the issuance of the e-notice, only the original user fee will be payable without any additional charges.

What happens if you don’t pay the toll?

If the unpaid toll remains unsettled for more than 15 days and no dispute has been raised, the dues will be recorded in the VAHAN system. This could lead to restrictions on vehicle-related services, effectively forcing compliance before any further transactions can be carried out.

Who can raise disputes?

Vehicle owners who believe there has been an error are not without recourse. They can file a grievance within 72 hours of receiving the notice. The authorities are required to resolve such complaints within five days, failing which the claim will automatically lapse.

Link with VAHAN database
The Ministry has also directed for the integration of the National Electronic Toll Collection system with the VAHAN database to enable seamless identification of vehicles and enforcement of unpaid dues.