Unpaid Highway Toll E-Notice Rules in India: 72-Hour Payment and Dispute Guide

Government Policies | Explainer, not breaking news. India’s March 2026 amendments to the National Highways Fee Rules introduced an electronic notice and recovery process for unpaid highway tolls. This guide explains the policy announced by NHAI on 18 March 2026; it does not claim that a new rule was announced today.

What is an unpaid toll e-notice?

Under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, an unpaid user fee arises when electronic toll infrastructure records a vehicle’s passage but the applicable toll is not received. A notice can identify the registered vehicle, the date and location of passage, and the amount claimed. Notices may be served by SMS, email, mobile applications or other electronic channels and made available through a designated portal. The framework took effect on 17 March 2026, according to NHAI’s official 18 March press release.

How much must the vehicle owner pay?

The amendment sets the unpaid user fee payable in response to an e-notice at twice the applicable toll amount. However, if payment is made within 72 hours of the notice being issued, only the original toll is payable, without the additional fee. This is a deadline measured from issuance of the notice, not from when the owner happens to read it. Check the actual notice and official portal before making any payment.

How to challenge an incorrect notice

• Check the vehicle registration number, toll location, date and recorded passage against your journey records.
• Compare the claim with FASTag transactions and bank alerts; retain screenshots, receipts and statement references.
• Use the designated official portal referenced in the notice to submit a representation within 72 hours of notice issuance.
• Clearly explain the discrepancy and attach available evidence. Save the acknowledgement or complaint reference.
• Track the response rather than assuming that filing a representation automatically settles the matter.

NHAI says representations must be examined and disposed of within five days; if that does not happen, the claim for unpaid user fee lapses under the amendment. Owners should preserve evidence of timely submission. For a separate incorrect FASTag debit, see our wrong FASTag toll deduction complaint guide.

What happens if the notice is ignored?

According to NHAI, where an unpaid fee remains unresolved beyond 15 days and no representation is pending, the dues can be recorded in the VAHAN system and restrictions may be imposed on vehicle-related services until clearance. This does not mean every notice immediately blocks services. Check the case status and any applicable official instructions rather than relying on forwarded messages.

How to verify a notice safely

• Do not pay through an unfamiliar shortened link received by SMS or messaging apps.
• Start from official NHAI or Rajmargyatra channels, including Rajmargyatra, which provides vehicle-related FASTag and e-notice status tools.
• Never share an OTP, FASTag banking password or card PIN with someone claiming to be a toll officer.
• If a toll amount itself seems wrong, review our guide to checking toll plaza charges.

Does this replace normal FASTag payment?

No. Drivers should continue using a valid FASTag and ensuring sufficient balance or an applicable pass. The e-notice framework is a recovery mechanism for unpaid user fees, particularly relevant to electronic and barrier-free tolling; it is not a substitute for ordinary toll payment. For background on tolling arrangements, read what NHAI does.

Frequently asked questions

Is the payment deadline 72 hours from receiving the SMS?

NHAI describes the 72-hour window as running from issuance of the e-notice. Review its timestamp promptly.

Can I dispute a toll that was already deducted?

Yes, preserve the transaction proof and submit a representation through the designated process within the applicable deadline. Separately raise an incorrect deduction with the FASTag issuer where appropriate.

Is this a new November 2026 announcement?

No. This is an explanatory article about rules effective from 17 March 2026, based on NHAI’s 18 March 2026 announcement.

Official source

NHAI: National Highways Fee Rules, 2026 amended to strengthen toll compliance and digital enforcement (18 March 2026). For an individual dispute, rely on the applicable notice and official portal rather than this general explanation.