Central Motor Vehicles Rules have been amended to improve toll payment compliance

Current Context: On 20 January 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026.

• The amendment aims to ensure 100% toll payment compliance as India transitions to Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), a GPS and camera-based barrier-less tolling system.
• It introduces the definition of “Unpaid User Fee”, referring to tolls recorded by the ETC system but not collected.
• Key provisions restrict services like ownership transfer (NOC), fitness certificate renewal, and national permits until dues are cleared.
• Applicants must now declare pending toll demands in the revised Form 28 for NOC.
• This move strengthens digital tolling, transparency, and accountability, while protecting highway revenue.
• It also acts as a strong deterrent against toll evasion, ensuring smoother infrastructure funding.

Question:

Q.1 What is the primary objective of the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026?
a) To reduce toll rates on national highways
b) To replace FASTag with cash payments
c) To ensure 100% toll payment compliance
d) To abolish toll collection on highways

Answer: c) The amendment focuses on achieving 100% toll payment compliance, particularly in the context of advanced digital tolling systems.