Don't get stuck in a toll plaza traffic jam! Claim your legal right to pass through for free using the '10-second rule'..
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has established clear guidelines to ensure faster and smoother vehicle movement at toll plazas. According to these rules, the process of paying the toll in a FASTag lane should not take more than 10 seconds per vehicle. The very objective of the FASTag system is to allow vehicles to pass through the toll without stopping or with minimal delay. If this time limit is consistently exceeded due to technical glitches or management lapses, it is considered a violation of the rules.
**A Key Rule Regarding the Yellow Line**
A yellow line is marked in every lane at toll plazas, indicating the maximum permissible length of the queue. Regulations dictate that the line of vehicles should not extend beyond this yellow line at any time. If the queue crosses the yellow line, it implies a failure in crowd management at the toll plaza. In such situations, motorists should be allowed to pass without further delay to maintain traffic flow and spare travelers from unnecessary inconvenience.
**When Can One Claim the Right to Free Passage?**
According to experts, if vehicles remain stuck for a prolonged period due to congestion and the queue extends beyond the yellow line, it is the toll operator's responsibility to clear the traffic immediately. Similarly, if a vehicle is held up for more than 10 seconds due to technical issues with the FASTag system, the traveler is entitled to know their rights. While this rule does not automatically guarantee a toll waiver in every instance, its purpose is to protect travelers from unnecessary delays and hold toll management accountable.
**FASTag Has Transformed the Toll Collection System**
The implementation of FASTag across the country has significantly accelerated the toll collection process compared to the past. Motorists no longer need to stand in long queues to make cash payments. However, issues can still arise due to server outages, scanning difficulties, or heavy traffic. In such cases, it is essential for travelers to be aware of their rights. Due to a lack of awareness, many people end up waiting for hours, even though the rules were designed to provide them with better service.
What precautions should travelers take?
When traveling on highways, motorists should ensure that their FASTag is active and has a sufficient balance. If there is heavy congestion or a technical issue at the toll plaza, one can calmly state their case while being well-informed about the rules. In the event of a dispute, a complaint can be lodged with the NHAI helpline or the concerned authorities. Experts believe that proper knowledge of the rules can not only save travelers' time but also help maintain better order at toll plazas. Therefore, everyone traveling on highways should be aware of this rule regarding the '10-second' limit and the yellow line.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
