NHAI explains toll fee rule: Who is exempt and who can get discounts

We all pay toll charges while using national highways. While paying user fee is mandatory in most cases, certain categories of people and vehicles are exempt, and some users are eligible for discounted passes.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) clarified in a post on X that toll exemptions and discounts on national highways are governed by the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.

According to NHAI, Rule 11 lays down exemptions from payment of user fee for specific categories of vehicles and individuals, subject to conditions. Meanwhile, Rule 9 provides for discounted passes, including monthly passes for local residents and district-level concessions, wherever applicable.

Who is exempt from paying toll fee

As per the rules, exemption from toll payment applies to the following:

Constitutional authorities and public representatives
The President of India
The Vice-President of India
The Prime Minister of India
The Governor of a State
The Chief Justice of India
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Union Cabinet Ministers
Chief Ministers of States
Judges of the Supreme Court
Ministers of State (Union)
Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
Speakers and Chairpersons of State Legislatures
Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts
Members of Parliament
Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Legislative Council (MLCs) within their respective states (on producing valid ID)
Senior government and defence officials
Chiefs of Staff with the rank of full General or equivalent
Army Commanders, Vice-Chief of Army Staff and equivalent ranks in other services
Chief Secretary of a State (within the concerned state)
Secretaries to the Government of India
Secretaries of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
Defence, emergency and special categories
Foreign dignitaries on state visits
Awardees of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra (with authenticated photo ID)
Ministry of Defence vehicles exempt under the Indian Toll (Army and Air Force) Act, 1901 (extended to the Navy)
Central and State armed forces in uniform, including paramilitary forces and police
Executive Magistrates
Fire-fighting department or fire service vehicles

Vehicles used for public service:
Vehicles of NHAI or other government organisations used for inspection, survey, construction, operation or maintenance of national highways
Ambulances
Funeral vans
Vehicles specially designed for persons with physical disabilities

Who is eligible for toll discounts

Certain users can opt for discounted passes under Rule 9:

Monthly pass for local private vehicle owners
Non-commercial vehicle owners who use a specific highway stretch for daily commuting
Residence must be within 20 km of the toll plaza
The journey must not extend beyond the next toll plaza

Monthly fee: Rs 150 (base rate for 2007–08, revised annually)

No pass is issued if a service road or alternate road is available

District-level concession
Private vehicle owners (excluding national permit vehicles) registered within a particular district
If the highway, bridge, bypass or tunnel lies within that district
User fee charged at 50% of the prescribed rate at all toll plazas within the district
Not applicable where a service road or alternate road exists
No toll in specific cases
No pass is required and no fee is collected if a vehicle uses only part of a national highway and does not cross a toll plaza