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Toll Tax: No toll if there's a long queue on the highway? NHAI finally clarifies the rule.
Siddhi Jain | July 4, 2026 6:15 PM CST

Toll Plaza Rule: You may have heard a viral claim on social media stating that if you wait more than 10 seconds at a toll plaza, you can pass without paying the toll. Here is the truth behind this claim.

Toll Plaza Rule: If you frequently travel on highways, you know that a toll must be paid to cross a toll plaza. However, false claims circulating on social media suggest that if there is a long queue and a driver has to wait for more than 10 seconds, they can pass without paying the toll. Many people mistake these false claims for the truth. Therefore, it is important to know whether it is actually possible to pass without paying. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has clarified the facts regarding this claim.

Knowing the rules is important

According to the NHAI, the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, contain no provision exempting a driver from paying the toll if they wait more than 10 seconds at the plaza. Simply put, there is no rule allowing a vehicle driver to pass through the toll plaza for free due to a long wait.


Who gets an exemption?

Exemptions from toll charges apply only to the categories specified in the rules.
If you wish to know who is eligible for an exemption, the information is displayed at the toll plaza.
You can easily find details regarding exemptions there.

Keep these important points in mind

It is crucial to be aware of key rules regarding tolls.
One should not blindly believe viral claims made on social media.
Relying on such claims could lead to trouble.
For information regarding exemptions, you can check the list displayed at the toll plaza.


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