NewKerala.com

New Overload Fee Rules for National Highways: Stricter Fines from 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified amended rules imposing a graded fee structure for overloaded vehicles on National Highways, effective April 2026. Vehicles carrying over 10% excess load will face charges of two to four times the base rate, while those under 10% are exempt. Payment must be made via FASTag, and overload will be determined using certified weighing devices at plazas. The rules aim to improve compliance, reduce road damage, and enhance safety through clearer enforcement.

Key Points: New National Highway Overload Fee Rules & Fines 2026

  • No fee for up to 10% overload
  • 2x fee for 10-40% overload
  • 4x fee for over 40% overload
  • Mandatory FASTag payment for overload fees
2 min read

Govt notifies new rules on fees for overloaded vehicles on national highways

Govt notifies revised overload fee rules for national highways. Charges up to 4x base rate for excess load. FASTag mandatory for payment. Effective April 2026.

"promote compliance with prescribed load limits and enhance road safety while protecting highway infrastructure - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways"

New Delhi, April 14

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the National Highways Fee Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, aimed at strengthening enforcement and ensuring rationalised fee collection for overloaded vehicles on National Highways.

The amended rules will come into force from April 15, 2026.

The amendment seeks to promote compliance with prescribed load limits and enhance road safety while protecting highway infrastructure.

Under the revised fee structure, vehicles found carrying excess load will be charged based on the percentage of overloading. Those carrying up to 10 per cent excess load will not be charged any overload fee while vehicles that carry excess load of over 10 per cent and up to 40 per cent will slapped a charge at two times the base rate.

For vehicles carrying an excess load above 40 per cent, the fee will be charged at four times the base rate.

The rules also state that overloading will be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at fee plazas. They also make it clear that in cases where weighing facilities are not available at fee plazas, no overload fee shall be levied.

The rules further state that overloading fees shall be collected through FASTag only. Details of overloaded vehicles will be recorded and reported to the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN).

Vehicles entering National Highways without a valid FASTag will attract applicable provisions under existing rules. The provisions will not apply to certain private investment projects executed prior to commencement, unless concessionaires consent to adopt the revised rules.

The notification includes a detailed illustration explaining calculation of overload fees for different categories of vehicles based on permissible weight limits, ensuring clarity and transparency in implementation.

The amendment is expected to improve compliance, reduce road damage caused by overloaded vehicles, and promote safer and more efficient movement of goods across National Highways seamless with WIM (Weigh-in-Motion) technology.

As per the notification, a revised framework has been introduced under Rule 10 for levy of fees on vehicles carrying loads beyond the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good step for road safety. The 10% buffer is practical for minor variations. Making it FASTag-only should reduce corruption at toll plazas. The key will be installing those certified weighing devices everywhere.
V
Vikram M
As a transporter, I welcome the clarity. But the cost will ultimately be passed on to consumers. Also, what about state highways? Operators will just divert to those roads to avoid fees, causing congestion there.
A
Ananya R
This is long overdue. Every time I see those heavily tilted trucks on the highway, my heart skips a beat. Protecting infrastructure is good, but protecting lives is paramount. Hope this brings down accidents.
K
Karthik V
The rule sounds good on paper. My respectful criticism: the exemption if weighing facilities aren't available is a huge loophole. Contractors will delay installations for years. Need a strict deadline for implementation.
M
Michael C
Interesting policy. Linking it to FASTag and a national register is smart for data collection and enforcement. The WIM technology mention is key for seamless checking. Hope it works as intended.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50