New Toll Tax Rule – In a major relief for commuters living near toll plazas, the Government of India has introduced a new rule allowing toll-free travel within a 20-kilometre radius of any toll booth. This initiative, confirmed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), aims to eliminate the undue burden on locals who use highways for short-distance, routine travel. The move has sparked nationwide interest, especially among daily commuters and rural populations living along national highways.
What Is the 20KM Toll-Free Rule?
The newly enforced toll exemption rule ensures that residents living within a 20KM radius of any toll plaza are not required to pay toll charges for using the highway. The benefit applies only to personal and non-commercial vehicles registered to individuals with proof of residence within the specified distance.
Key Highlights of the Rule:
- Applicable only within 20KM radius of a toll plaza
- Valid for private vehicles owned by local residents
- One-time registration with valid residential proof required
- Exemption applies only to the nearest toll plaza
- No toll charges for daily commutes within the zone
- Implemented nationwide on national highways
- Managed by NHAI through Fastag-linked systems
Who Is Eligible for Toll-Free Travel?
Residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of a toll plaza are eligible for toll-free travel, provided they own a private, non-commercial vehicle and can submit valid proof of local residence. The vehicle must be Fastag-enabled and registered in the applicant’s name. Only one vehicle per household is permitted under this exemption.
To avail of this benefit, users must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of an area located within 20KM of the toll plaza
- Vehicle must be privately owned and registered in the applicant’s name
- Valid proof of address (Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.) must be submitted
- Vehicle must be Fastag-enabled and linked with NHAI’s system
- The exemption is applicable to one vehicle per household only
Documents Required for Toll Exemption Registration
To avail toll exemption under the 20KM rule, local residents must submit specific documents as proof of eligibility. These include a valid proof of residence, the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), and Fastag details linked to the applicant’s name. These documents ensure that only genuine local residents benefit from the toll-free access.
Below is a table outlining the documents needed:
| Document Type | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Residence | Yes | Aadhar card, voter ID, utility bill showing local address |
| Vehicle RC Book | Yes | Must be in the name of the applicant |
| Fastag Registration | Yes | Should be linked with NHAI’s system |
| Passport Size Photo | No | Optional for offline registration |
| Local Authority Letter | No | Sometimes asked for further verification |
| Driving License | No | Recommended but not mandatory |
| Mobile Number | Yes | For verification and communication |
How to Apply for Toll-Free Exemption
Getting registered for this scheme is simple and can be done both online and offline:
Offline Application Steps:
- Visit the toll plaza’s customer service center
- Fill out the local resident form
- Submit required documents and Fastag details
- Receive SMS confirmation once approved
Online Application Steps:
- Visit NHAI’s official website or Fastag partner portals
- Navigate to the “Local Resident Exemption” section
- Upload documents and Fastag information
- Wait for approval within 3–5 working days
Impact of the 20KM Toll-Free Rule
This rule is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters and local residents who previously had to pay despite making short, local trips. Here’s a comparative table showcasing the estimated annual savings:
| Distance Travelled (Daily) | Previous Toll Cost (Monthly) | Savings Under New Rule (Monthly) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5KM | ₹400 | ₹400 | ₹4,800 |
| 10KM | ₹600 | ₹600 | ₹7,200 |
| 15KM | ₹800 | ₹800 | ₹9,600 |
| 20KM | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹12,000 |
| 25KM (Out of Scope) | ₹1,200 | Not Eligible | 0 |
| Commercial Vehicles | ₹2,000 | Not Eligible | 0 |
| Non-Registered Fastag | ₹0 | Not Eligible | 0 |
Challenges and Issues
Despite the positive reception, a few challenges have emerged:
- Lack of awareness among rural populations
- Delays in processing online applications
- Inconsistent enforcement across toll booths
- Technical glitches in Fastag recognition
Authorities are working to resolve these issues by streamlining the application process and ensuring better training for toll staff.
Government’s Future Plans
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is considering further enhancements:
- Expansion of the radius from 20KM to 25KM in select cases
- Automated exemption via GPS-based tolling in future
- Integration of more online platforms for application processing
- Real-time monitoring of toll plaza complaints via grievance apps
The 20KM toll-free rule is a landmark step toward making highway travel more affordable and convenient for residents living near toll plazas. It aligns with the government’s broader goal of reducing road travel costs and improving local mobility. Residents are encouraged to register early to benefit from this scheme and avoid unnecessary toll charges on their daily routes.
FAQs
1. Can I register more than one vehicle for toll exemption?
No, only one vehicle per household is eligible for the toll-free benefit.
2. What happens if I move out of the 20KM radius?
You must inform the toll authority and the exemption will be cancelled.
3. Are commercial vehicles included in this scheme?
No, the rule is strictly for private and non-commercial vehicles.
4. How long does it take to get approval after registration?
Typically, 3 to 5 working days after document verification.
5. What if the toll staff still charges me after approval?
You can lodge a complaint via the NHAI helpline or their mobile app for redressal.