MoRTH  notifies amendment to streamline fee for overloaded vehicles on National Highways

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the National Highways Fee Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, to streamline fee collection for overloaded vehicles. Effective from April 15, 2026, the amendment introduces a revised tiered fee structure under Rule 10 to improve road safety and protect infrastructure. Key requirements include the mandatory use of FASTag for fee collection and the reporting of violations to the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN). **Key Points / Main Content** **Revised Fee Structure for Overloading** * **Up to 10% excess load:** No overload fee is charged. * **10% to 40% excess load:** Fees are charged at two times the base rate. * **Above 40% excess load:** Fees are charged at four times the base rate. **Measurement and Operational Requirements** * **Scientific Weighment:** Overloading must be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at fee plazas. * **Facility Dependency:** If a fee plaza lacks a weighment facility, no overload fee shall be levied on the vehicle. * **Digital Mandate:** All overloading fees must be collected exclusively through FASTag. **Compliance and Reporting** * **VAHAN Integration:** Details of overloaded vehicles will be recorded and reported to the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN). * **FASTag Enforcement:** Vehicles entering National Highways without a valid FASTag will be subject to existing penalty provisions. * **Implementation Clarity:** The rules include detailed illustrations to ensure transparency in fee calculations across different vehicle categories. **Applicability and Exemptions** * **Existing Projects:** These provisions do not apply to private investment projects executed prior to the commencement date unless the concessionaires formally consent to adopt them. **Impact Analysis** **Commercial Vehicle Operators and Transporters** **Impact** Operators are subject to higher financial penalties for exceeding 10% of the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Overloading data will now be linked to their vehicle records in the VAHAN database. **Action Required** Ensure vehicles adhere to prescribed load limits, maintain valid FASTag accounts with sufficient balances, and verify vehicle weights before entering National Highways. **Fee Plaza Operators and Concessionaires** **Impact** Operators must ensure certified weighment infrastructure is present and operational to collect fees. They are also responsible for the mandatory reporting of data to the central register. **Action Required** Install or maintain certified weight measurement devices and integrate tolling systems with FASTag and VAHAN for automated reporting and fee collection. **Government and Regulatory Bodies** **Impact** MoRTH and highway authorities will benefit from improved compliance, reduced road damage, and enhanced data visibility regarding overloaded vehicles. **Action Required** Monitor the implementation of the rules across the National Highway network and oversee the integration of overloading data into the National Vehicle Register.

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