5 mins
20 February 2025
What is an exempted FASTag?
An exempted FASTag is a specialised electronic toll collection tag issued to vehicles that are exempt from paying toll fees on national highways in India. While these vehicles are not required to pay tolls, the exempted FASTag facilitates seamless passage through toll plazas by enabling automatic identification and verification. This system ensures that exempt vehicles do not have to stop at toll booths, thereby promoting efficient traffic flow and reducing congestion.The implementation of the FASTag system by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to modernise toll collection through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. All vehicles, including those exempt from toll payments, are mandated to affix a FASTag on their windshields. For exempt vehicles, a distinct category of FASTag, known as the exempted FASTag, is issued at no cost. This tag serves as a digital identifier, confirming the vehicle's exemption status and allowing uninterrupted passage through toll plazas.
The use of exempted FASTags not only streamlines the movement of privileged vehicles but also enhances transparency and accountability in toll operations. By electronically recording the passage of exempt vehicles, the system aids in accurate data collection and monitoring. This initiative aligns with the government's objective to adopt digital solutions for infrastructure management and to improve the overall efficiency of transportation networks.
Who can apply for an exempted FASTag?
Exempted FASTags are designated for vehicles that fall under specific categories outlined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). These categories include vehicles used by high-ranking government officials, emergency services, and certain public utility services. The eligibility criteria are defined to ensure that only vehicles serving critical functions or holding constitutional significance are granted toll exemptions.Applicants must provide valid documentation to substantiate their eligibility for an exempted FASTag. This includes proof of the vehicle's registration, identification of the owner or operator, and evidence supporting the exemption claim, such as official letters or service records. The application process is designed to verify the authenticity of the claim and to maintain the integrity of the toll exemption system.
It is important to note that private vehicles not serving in an official or emergency capacity do not qualify for an exempted FASTag. The exemption is strictly reserved for vehicles that perform essential public services or are operated by individuals in designated official positions. Ensuring adherence to these criteria helps in maintaining an efficient and fair toll collection system.
Toll plaza exemption list: Eligible vehicles and categories
The following categories of vehicles are exempt from paying tolls on national highways and are eligible for an exempted FASTag:Vehicles transporting and accompanying dignitaries:
President of India
Vice-President of India
Prime Minister of India
Governors and Lieutenant Governors
Chief Justice of India
Speakers of the House of People
Cabinet Ministers of the Union
Chief Ministers of States
Judges of the Supreme Court
Members of Parliament
Emergency and utility vehicles:
Ambulances
Firefighting vehicles
Funeral vans
Police vehicles
Vehicles used for the maintenance of national highways
Defence and paramilitary vehicles:
Vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Defence
Central and State armed forces in uniform, including paramilitary forces and police
Public transport and utility vehicles:
Vehicles used as public transport and registered in the name of a state transport undertaking
Vehicles used for the purpose of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry
This list is in accordance with the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, and subsequent amendments. For a comprehensive and updated list, refer to official communications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Documents required to apply for exempted FASTag
Applicants seeking an exempted FASTag must submit the following documents:Duly filled application form: Accurately completed with all necessary details.
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): Proof of vehicle ownership.
Identification proof: Such as Aadhaar card, Driving License, PAN card, Voter ID, or any government-issued ID.
Proof of exemption: Official documents substantiating the vehicle's eligibility for toll exemption, like service records, official letters, or identity cards indicating the exempt status.
Ensuring the submission of accurate and valid documents is crucial for the timely processing of the exempted FASTag application.
How to apply for an exempted FASTag Online
The application process for an exempted FASTag can be completed online through the official portal. Follow these steps:Registration:
Visit the official exempted FASTag portal.
Register as a new user by providing your name, email address, mobile number, and city of residence.
Upon successful registration, a unique User ID and Password will be sent to your registered email.
Application submission:
Log in to the portal using your User ID and Password.
Download the exempted FASTag application form from the dashboard.
Fill out the form with accurate details.
Upload required documents:
Scan and upload the necessary documents, including the Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), identification proof, and exemption proof.
Ensure that all documents are clear and in the specified format to avoid delays in processing.
Submit the application:
Review the filled application form and uploaded documents before submitting.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS with a reference number for tracking your application.
Approval and issuance:
Once the application is verified, the exempted FASTag will be issued and dispatched to the registered address.
The applicant will be notified via email or SMS regarding the status of approval.
How to check the application status of exempted FASTag
Applicants can track their exempted FASTag application status through the official website by following these steps:Visit the official FASTag portal:
Log in using your registered credentials.
Navigate to the ‘APPLICATION STATUS’ section.
Enter reference number:
Input the reference number received during the application submission.
Click on ‘CHECK STATUS’ to view the progress.
Status updates:
The system will display the current status, such as ‘UNDER REVIEW,’ ‘APPROVED,’ or ‘DISPATCHED.’
If additional documents are required, the portal will notify the applicant.
Customer support assistance:
If there are delays, applicants can contact the FASTag customer support helpline for further assistance.
What is the validity of exempted FASTag?
The validity of an exempted FASTag depends on the category of exemption:Permanent exemptions: FASTags issued to government officials, emergency vehicles, and public transport vehicles have long-term validity.
Temporary exemptions: Vehicles granted temporary exemption for specific duties may receive a tag with limited validity.
To ensure continuous validity:
Regular renewal: Some categories may require periodic renewal based on updated eligibility criteria.
Vehicle ownership changes: If ownership is transferred, a new application must be submitted.
Conclusion
The exempted FASTag is a crucial system designed to facilitate toll-free passage for eligible vehicles while maintaining efficient traffic flow. This initiative enhances transparency in toll operations, benefiting dignitaries, emergency services, and essential public transport.Individuals eligible for an exempted FASTag must follow the official application process, ensuring they submit the correct documents for verification. They can track their application status online and renew their FASTag when required.
Bajaj Finserv BBPS offers a hassle-free platform for managing FASTag transactions, ensuring smooth toll payments for non-exempt users. While exempt vehicles do not require recharge, understanding the general FASTag system can be beneficial for all road users.
