Which people in India do not have to pay toll tax? See the complete list with NHAI rules

Toll tax is a big expense while traveling on the National Highway, but do you know that the Government of India has exempted certain categories of people and vehicles from it? According to NHAI rules, let us know who does not have to pay a single rupee while crossing the toll plaza.

Top Constitutional Posts of India: Persons holding the most important posts of India have been completely exempted from toll tax. It includes the President of the country, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors of the states and the Chief Justice of India. When these dignitaries travel in their official vehicles, they are not required to stop at any toll plaza and pay.

Central and state level ministers: Apart from constitutional posts, prominent leaders of governance also get the facility of toll free travel. This includes Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of States, Speakers of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. Along with this, Solicitor General and Additional Solicitor General of India have also been exempted from payment of toll tax.

MPs and MLAs (MP/MLAs): As representatives of democracy, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of State Assembly/Legislative Council (MLAs/MLCs) do not have to pay toll tax. However, this exemption is available only if they show their official identity card. This facility is provided to facilitate their official work and field visits.

Defense and Military Forces: To pay respect to the brave soldiers protecting the country, vehicles of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) have been kept free from toll. This also includes vehicles of paramilitary forces and police. According to the rules, if the soldiers are in their uniform or are using an official vehicle, then toll cannot be collected from them.

Emergency and Health Services: Ambulances which have first right of way on the road are completely exempted from toll tax. For the purpose of saving lives, this category is given the highest priority. Apart from this, the hearse van also does not have to pay toll tax on any national highway, so that there is no hindrance in the last journey.

Fire Brigade and Disaster Management: Fire extinguishing vehicles i.e. fire tenders have been kept toll free. Also, the vehicles of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other government agencies engaged in disaster relief work also do not have to pay tax. Vehicles of magistrates on duty to maintain law and order have also been kept in this category.

Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Citizens: The Government of India also gives exemption to toll to those citizens who have brought glory to the country. Persons awarded gallantry awards like Paramvir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Veer Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra do not have to pay toll on showing their identity card. This discount is a way of showing gratitude to these heroes.

Local residents and discount rules: Local residents living within 20 kilometers of the toll plaza get heavy concessions, although not completely free. They can travel unlimited times by paying a very nominal monthly pass. Apart from this, if the queue of vehicles at the toll plaza becomes longer than 100 meters, then temporary relief is given under the ‘Yellow Line’ rule.