The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced an important rule change that directly links unpaid highway user fees with vehicle ownership transfers and other key vehicle services. As per the amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules, vehicle owners will now be required to clear all pending user fee dues before receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for transferring ownership or shifting a vehicle to another state.
The amendment clearly defines “unpaid user fees” and integrates their settlement into essential administrative processes. These include the renewal of vehicle fitness certificates and the issuance of national permits, particularly for commercial vehicles. This move aims to strengthen compliance with toll payments and discourage deliberate toll evasion across national highways.
The revised rules also update Form 28, which is mandatory for obtaining an NOC. Vehicle owners must now declare any pending toll or user fee dues and parts of the application process can be completed electronically. This change supports the government’s push toward digital governance and smoother verification processes.
Officials believe that linking toll compliance with critical vehicle services will improve revenue collection and ensure better maintenance and development of highway infrastructure. The policy is also aligned with upcoming advanced tolling systems, which rely heavily on accurate digital records and timely payments.
For vehicle owners, the message is clear: unpaid user fees can now create delays and complications in ownership transfers, permit approvals and fitness renewals. Staying updated on toll payments has become essential not just for compliance, but for hassle-free vehicle administration.
