Do you know that some special people and vehicles do not have to pay toll tax in India? Yes, even though there is a network of roads in the country and there are toll plazas everywhere, the government has given some special exemptions. If you also travel on the highway, then it is very important for you to know which vehicles and people are exempt from toll tax and the reason behind it.

What is toll tax, and why is it levied

Toll tax is a kind of fee that is charged from vehicles using a road, bridge, or tunnel. The purpose of this tax is to collect money for the construction and maintenance of the road. In India, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) works to collect toll tax and enforce its rules. Although every vehicle has to pay a toll, an exemption has been given in some special cases.

These special people and vehicles get an exemption

The Government of India has kept some special people and vehicles associated with important services completely free from toll tax. This list includes the following people and vehicles:

1. High-ranking government officials

President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister

Governors and Lieutenant Governors of states

Union ministers

Chief ministers of states

Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Speaker of Lok Sabha

Chairman of the State Legislative Council and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

State ministers, MPs, and MLAs

Secretaries of the Government of India

Secretaries of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha

2. Judicial and defence services

Chief Justices and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts

Officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force

Paramilitary forces and police personnel (in uniform)

3. Emergency and essential services

Ambulance, fire brigade, and police vehicles

Vehicles of executive magistrates

4. Specially honoured persons

Gallantry award winners like Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra are also exempted from toll tax. They have to show their photo ID.

What to show at the toll plaza

Even though these people are exempt from the toll tax, they must show their official photo identity card. Apart from this, people like Defense Ministry officials, NHAI officials, and Executive Magistrates are also given exemptions on their vehicles. This system ensures that important services and persons of the country can get smooth travel.