January 21, 2026 : The Centre has notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, with the aim of strengthening compliance in the payment of user fees at toll plazas on National Highways. The amendments are designed to improve adherence to toll payments, boost the efficiency of Electronic Toll Collection systems, and curb instances of user fee evasion across the highway network.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the new rules will support the development of a more transparent and technology-driven tolling mechanism. This, in turn, is expected to help the National Highways Authority of India in ensuring sustainable development, operation, and maintenance of National Highways nationwide.

Under the amended provisions, a no-objection certificate for the transfer of vehicle ownership or for moving a vehicle from one state to another will not be issued unless all pending user fees have been fully paid. The rules also make it mandatory for commercial vehicles applying for a National Permit to have no outstanding toll dues, reinforcing accountability among frequent highway users.