[2026 Latest] Explanation of Discount Programs for Highways and Toll Roads Using Disability Certificates, Including Application Methods

Do you often use highways for your travels?

For individuals with physical disabilities, cars are a convenient and less physically demanding means of transportation.

This time, let's delve into the discounts for disabled persons on toll roads, including highways, and explain how to use and apply for them.

Additionally, the discount system for disabled persons on highways was revised in March 2023, and further changes regarding the handling of ETC cards were made in April 2026. We'll explain how these changes affect you.

If you plan to use highways for hospital visits or travel, be sure to check this out.

1. What is the Discount System for Highways and Toll Roads with a Disability Certificate?

Many people might not be aware that highways and toll roads are eligible for discounts with a disability certificate.

The highway discount system for disability certificate holders is designed to support the independence and socio-economic activities of disabled individuals.

During daily commutes for school, work, or medical visits, highway fees are discounted by 50% (amounts under 10 yen are rounded up).

Toll roads are mainly divided by regions such as NEXCO East Japan, West Japan, and Central Japan, but the highway discount system for disability certificate holders is uniformly implemented across all regions.

The highway discount system is funded by fees collected from other users, so there are certain requirements regarding the purpose and eligible vehicles.

Moreover, to receive the discount, simply possessing a physical disability certificate is not enough; you need to register your vehicle and complete the necessary paperwork in advance.

In the next section, let's look at the range and conditions for disabled individuals eligible for the highway discount system.

2. Range of Disabilities Eligible for Discounts

2-1. When the Disabled Person is Driving

When the disabled person is driving, those who have been issued a physical disability certificate are eligible.

The discount applies regardless of the disability grade, covering any grade from 1 to 6 that qualifies for the certificate.

Thus, it is a beneficial system for many physically disabled individuals who drive regularly.

2-2. When a Non-Disabled Person is Driving with a Disabled Passenger

Next, when a non-disabled person is driving with a disabled passenger, the condition is that the passenger must be certified as a "severely disabled person" with a physical disability certificate or a rehabilitation certificate.

For example, a severely disabled person is someone with a grade 1 or 2 disability, or with multiple disabilities equivalent to grade 3 or higher.

For physically disabled individuals under 15, the certificate is issued to the guardian, but if the disabled person is not present, the discount does not apply, so be cautious.

In the case of a rehabilitation certificate, those with an A rating are eligible.

The range of severe disabilities is the same as the "First Class" reduction for passenger fares by Japan Railways, as noted in the certificate, so please check.

If you are unsure whether the disabled person qualifies as severely disabled, it is recommended to inquire at the welfare consultation desk in your local municipality. For a comprehensive explanation of the types of disability certificates, application methods, and the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining one, please refer to the article below.

2-3. Mental Disabilities are Not Eligible for Discounts

Individuals with mental disabilities are not eligible for highway or toll road discounts.

The primary reason is that there is no government subsidy for these discounts.

The current toll road system is funded by loans for road construction and maintenance, with repayment made through toll revenues collected from users. There is no assistance from the government or municipalities.

If discounts were applied, the burden of the discount would result in reduced revenue for the operators.

Due to this reliance on toll revenues, the scope of eligible discounts is limited, excluding those with mental disabilities.

Additionally, from April 2024, JR Group, Tokyo Metro, and major private railways announced that mental disabilities will also be eligible for discounts.

From April 1, 2025, JR Group began offering a 50% discount when used with a caregiver or by individuals holding a Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate.

We hope similar progress will be made for highways and toll roads.

3. Range of Vehicles Eligible for Discounts

With a disability certificate, you can pre-register one personal vehicle for the highway fee discount system.

Previously, only pre-registered personal vehicles were eligible for the highway discount system. Rental cars and care taxis could not be pre-registered, thus were not eligible for discounts.

With the relaxation of the one-person-one-vehicle requirement in March 2023, vehicles driven or ridden by eligible disabled persons that meet certain conditions can now qualify for highway fee discounts even without pre-registration.

However, even if using a non-pre-registered vehicle, you must apply for the discount in advance, so be cautious. Also, be prepared to present your physical disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate at the toll booth.

For the requirements and types of vehicles eligible for discounts, please refer to the table on the official NEXCO West Japan website under "Range of Eligible Vehicles."

4. How to Apply for Highway Discounts with a Disability Certificate

4-1. Applying at the Municipal Welfare Office

Applying at the municipal welfare office covers both ETC and non-ETC discounts.

The documents required for applications not using ETC (non-stop travel) are as follows:

• Physical disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate
• Vehicle inspection certificate, etc., for the vehicle you wish to pre-register
• Driver's license (only if the disabled person is driving)
• Letter of attorney (only if someone other than the applicant is applying on their behalf)
• Installment contract or lease agreement (only if using a leased or installment-purchased vehicle)

Once the application is complete, a sticker proving discount eligibility will be issued at the counter, which you can attach to your physical disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate.

If you wish to use ETC, the following additional documents are required:

• ETC card
• "ETC Onboard Unit Setup Certificate/Application" for the onboard unit installed in the vehicle

The ETC card is generally limited to one in the applicant's name. However, from April 1, 2026, for severely disabled individuals applying for discounts when driven by someone else, the age range for registering an ETC card not in the applicant's name has been expanded from "under 18" to "under 20."

• Parents or those equivalent to parents Legal guardians for minors Legal guardians for adults Assistants Supporters

4-2. Applying Online

Online applications for highway discounts are limited to ETC users.

Previously, applying for the highway discount system required visiting the municipal office in person.

However, for physically disabled or severely disabled individuals, going out to apply can be physically demanding, and having relatives apply on their behalf involves additional paperwork like letters of attorney, making it cumbersome.

To reduce the burden on applicants and the administrative workload at application offices, the March 2023 revision now allows online applications through the highway company's website form.

The required documents for online applications are as follows:

• My Number Card
• Physical disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate
• Email address for receiving notifications
• Driver's license (only if the disabled person is driving)
• Vehicle inspection certificate or light vehicle registration certificate
• ETC card in the disabled person's name (or in the name of a parent or legal guardian if the person is a minor and not driving)
• ETC Onboard Unit Setup Application/Certificate, etc.
• Resident card (if registering a vehicle or ETC card not in the applicant's name)
• Lease contract or installment contract (only if using a leased or installment-purchased vehicle)

Online applications require "User Registration on My Portal" and the "My Portal App," so make sure to register on your smartphone in advance.

For registration procedures, please refer to the following.