Are you planning to travel on national highways after April 10th? Traveling with cash in your pocket and no documents in your vehicle could prove costly. Presenting identification at toll plazas will now be mandatory, and cash is becoming a complete option. Read the full guide.

If you frequently travel on national highways, this news is extremely important for you. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will implement stricter safety and toll collection regulations on all national highways across the country, starting April 10th. These changes are primarily aimed at making travel safer, alleviating traffic congestion, and curbing illegal transportation activities.

Carry Aadhaar or Driving License with you

According to the new rules, it is now mandatory for drivers to have a valid government identification card, such as an Aadhaar card, driver's license, or passport, to cross any toll plaza or highway checkpoint. Failure to produce identification during the inspection could result in a hefty fine and even a deterrent. This step has been taken to strengthen security and prevent the movement of suspicious vehicles.

Penalty will be imposed for not having FASTag

Highway travel is now going completely digital. Starting April 10th, cash will no longer be accepted at toll plazas. Passengers will be required to pay tolls using FASTag, UPI, debit cards, or net banking. If your vehicle doesn't have a FASTag, you can still pay digitally, but you may incur a higher fee or penalty under Rule 14 of the National Highways Fee Rules.

Cameras will monitor every movement

Taking security to the next level, the government has deployed CCTV and Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at toll plazas and major junctions. Highway patrol teams will also conduct random vehicle fitness, insurance, and pollution (PUC) certificate checks. Vehicles with incomplete documentation will be immediately recorded on the 'Vahan' portal, potentially preventing future difficulties with obtaining a fitness certificate or transferring a vehicle.