New Government Rule Links Unpaid Toll Charges to Vehicle Documentation Processes
If you are planning to sell your vehicle or move it to another state, a new government regulation could significantly delay or halt those plans if there are any unpaid toll charges associated with your vehicle. The Centre has recently tightened regulations surrounding toll payments on National Highways, introducing stricter measures to ensure compliance.
What Constitutes Unpaid User Fees Under the Amendment?
The amendment to the rules provides a clear definition of "unpaid user fee," which refers to toll charges that remain outstanding even after the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system has recorded the vehicle's usage of a National Highway stretch. This clarification aims to eliminate ambiguities and enforce accountability among vehicle owners.
Impact on Vehicle Sale and Interstate Transfer
The most significant consequence of this amendment is its direct effect on vehicle documentation and approvals. Under the new rules, you will not be able to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for selling your vehicle or transferring it to another state unless all pending toll dues are fully paid. In simpler terms, if there are any unpaid toll charges linked to your vehicle, the sale or re-registration process in a different state will be blocked until the dues are cleared.
Restrictions on Certificate of Fitness and National Permits
Furthermore, vehicles with outstanding toll charges will no longer be eligible for the issuance or renewal of a Certificate of Fitness. This certificate is a mandatory requirement for older vehicles and commercial vehicles to remain legally roadworthy, meaning non-payment could render such vehicles illegal to operate on roads.
For commercial vehicles applying for a National Permit, the rules now explicitly state that there must be no unpaid toll fees associated with the vehicle. This adds an extra layer of scrutiny for commercial operators, ensuring they maintain clean payment records.
Updated Application Forms and Procedural Changes
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also revised Form 28, which is used to apply for an NOC. Moving forward, applicants will be required to declare whether there are any unpaid toll charges against their vehicle and provide related details. This procedural update aims to streamline the verification process and prevent evasion of toll payments.
In summary, the new rule emphasizes the importance of timely toll payment by linking it directly to critical vehicle-related processes. Vehicle owners are advised to check and clear any pending toll dues promptly to avoid disruptions in selling, transferring, or maintaining the legal status of their vehicles.
