Government Tightens Rules on Overloaded Vehicles on National Highways
New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, introducing a revised framework for charging toll fees on overloaded vehicles.
The new rules will come into effect from April 15, 2026 and aim to improve compliance, road safety, and protection of highway infrastructure.
Revised Overloading Fee Structure
Under the amended Rule 10, toll charges will now depend on the percentage of excess load carried by vehicles:
- Up to 10% excess load: No overload fee
- More than 10% and up to 40%: Fee charged at 2× the base toll rate
- Above 40% overload: Fee charged at 4× the base toll rate
The ministry said the updated structure is designed to discourage overloading while ensuring fair and rational fee collection.
Scientific Weighment Made Mandatory
Overloading will be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at toll plazas.
Importantly, the ministry clarified:
- No overload fee will be charged if weighment facilities are unavailable at the toll plaza.
This provision ensures transparency and avoids arbitrary penalties.
Revised Overloading Fee Structure
Under the amended Rule 10, toll charges will now depend on the percentage of excess load carried by vehicles:
- Up to 10% excess load: No overload fee
- More than 10% and up to 40%: Fee charged at 2× the base toll rate
- Above 40% overload: Fee charged at 4× the base toll rate
The ministry said the updated structure is designed to discourage overloading while ensuring fair and rational fee collection.
Scientific Weighment Made Mandatory
Overloading will be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at toll plazas.
Importantly, the ministry clarified:
- No overload fee will be charged if weighment facilities are unavailable at the toll plaza.
This provision ensures transparency and avoids arbitrary penalties.
FASTag-Only Payment for Overload Fees
In a major digital push:
- Overload fees must be paid only through FASTag
- Vehicles entering highways without a valid FASTag will face penalties under existing rules.
Details of overloaded vehicles will also be recorded in the National Vehicle Register (VAHAN).
Limited Applicability to Older PPP Projects
The new rules will not automatically apply to certain private investment highway projects commissioned earlier, unless concessionaires agree to adopt the revised framework.
Focus on Road Safety and Infrastructure Protection
The amendment is expected to:
- Reduce road damage caused by overloaded trucks
- Improve compliance with weight norms
- Enhance safety on highways
- Ensure smoother and more efficient freight movement
The notification also includes detailed examples to help stakeholders understand how overload fees will be calculated.