Overloaded Vehicles to Face Increased Toll Charges: A New Regulation

New regulations effective April 15, 2023, will drastically change how tolls are collected for overloaded vehicles on national highways. This initiative aims to enhance compliance and reduce road damage caused by such vehicles.

Mandatory FASTag for Overloaded Vehicles

Toll collecting agencies will now be required to charge overloaded vehicles higher fees exclusively through FASTag. All overloaded vehicles will be recorded and reported to the government’s Vahan portal, making it difficult to siphon or under-report toll revenue.

Enhanced Penalties Under the Updated MV Act of 2019

The provisions for reporting overloading to the Vahan portal are crucial, as they empower enforcement agencies to impose strict penalties for violations of motor vehicle laws. According to the updated Motor Vehicle Act of 2019, the penalty for overloaded goods vehicles is set at ₹20,000, with an additional fine of ₹2,000 per tonne for excess load.

New Toll Fee Structure for Overloading

In a recent notification, the road transport ministry has amended the NH User Fee Rules. The new structure allows for some leniency with up to 10% overloading; however, vehicles exceeding this limit will face increased charges:

• 10% to 40% Overload: Double the normal toll fee.
• Over 40% Overload: Four times the normal toll fee.

Determining Overload at Fee Plazas

The ministry has specified that overload will be assessed using certified weight measurement devices installed at fee plazas. However, if a fee plaza lacks weighing facilities, no overload fees will be imposed.

Exemptions for Private Investments

It’s noteworthy that these provisions will not apply to certain private investment projects initiated before the regulation’s commencement. These will only adopt the revised rules if the concessionaires consent.

Summary of Benefits

The ministry anticipates that these amendments will lead to improved compliance, reduced road damage from overloaded vehicles, and a more efficient and safer movement of goods across national highways.

For more information on this regulation and its impact, stay tuned for updates and further details!