NHAI clarifies toll rules: Ex-servicemen, media not exempt, locals can get discounts

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday clarified that toll exemptions and discounts on national highways are governed strictly by statutory provisions under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, amid frequent disputes and confusion at toll plazas across the country.

In a post on X, the highways authority said exemption from payment of user fee is available only to specific categories of vehicles and persons under Rule 11 of the 2008 rules and only when prescribed conditions are met.

Who is fully exempt from paying toll?

As per the rules, toll exemption applies to vehicles transporting or accompanying constitutional authorities and high public office holders such as the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Union Cabinet Ministers, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Speakers of Parliament and State Legislatures, and Members of Parliament.

State legislators are eligible for exemption only within their respective states and upon production of valid identity cards. Vehicles carrying foreign dignitaries on official state visits are also exempt.

The exemption further extends to defence and security forces when vehicles are used for official purposes. These include vehicles of the Ministry of Defence, Central and state armed forces, paramilitary forces and police personnel in uniform, as well as fire-fighting vehicles and those used by executive magistrates.

Vehicles deployed by NHAI or other government agencies for inspection, survey, construction, operation or maintenance of national highways are also covered.

Ambulances, funeral vans and mechanical vehicles specially designed and constructed for persons with physical disabilities are exempt from toll payment.

Who is not eligible for exemption?

The rules clearly state that no exemption is available to ex-servicemen, defence civilian employees, serving defence personnel using private vehicles for commuting, patients travelling in private vehicles, journalists or media vehicles, RTI activists, religious dignitaries and recipients of civilian or police gallantry awards.

Discounts

While full exemptions are limited, Rule 9 allows discounted passes for frequent and local users.

Local non-commercial vehicle owners residing within 20 kilometres of a toll plaza are eligible for a monthly concessional pass, provided no service road or alternative route is available and the commute does not extend beyond the next toll plaza.

Vehicles registered within a particular district can avail a 50% concession at toll plazas located within that district, subject to conditions and exclusions.

According to the rules, eligible users need to submit necessary documents, including proof of residence where applicable, and concessions are typically linked to FASTag after verification by the concessionaire.

“NHAI urges all National Highway users to follow the notified rules, avail exemptions or discounts only if eligible, and cooperate with toll operators to ensure smooth, transparent, and hassle-free travel for everyone,” the authority said.