Is a toll receipt mandatory for emergency help on national highways? Know what the NHAI has said before you travel.
Toll Plaza Rules: The NHAI has clarified that claims regarding the waiver of toll tax if the wait time at a toll plaza exceeds 10 seconds are incorrect. The public has been urged not to rely on such rumors.
National Highway Toll Rules: If you travel on highways and have heard that toll tax need not be paid if the wait at a toll plaza exceeds 10 seconds, this information is crucial for you. Various claims regarding toll tax on national highways have been circulating on social media for a long time.
Now, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has itself clarified that the claim about toll waivers for waits longer than 10 seconds is completely false. They have also advised people to steer clear of such rumors.
What do the toll rules say?
According to the NHAI, toll collection at all national highway toll plazas across the country is governed by the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. These rules clearly specify which vehicles and individuals are eligible for toll fee exemptions.
🚧 Know Your National Highways | #MythvsFact
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) June 8, 2026
Today’s myth addresses a common misconception that physical toll receipts are mandatory to access emergency assistance on National Highways.
In reality, National Highways and Expressways are rapidly transitioning towards fully… pic.twitter.com/MraB2qq5jM
These rules contain no provision stating that one can proceed without paying the toll if the wait time exceeds 10 seconds. Therefore, even if you get stuck in a queue at a toll plaza for any reason, your toll will not be waived.
What should you do before traveling?
The NHAI stated that the list of vehicles eligible for toll exemptions is displayed at every toll plaza to ensure travelers have accurate information. Consequently, if you have any doubts regarding toll rules, you should verify the official information provided by the NHAI or check the rules displayed at the toll plaza, rather than relying on viral social media posts.
Often, people start arguing with toll staff or attempt to pass through without paying based on incorrect information. Doing so can lead to significant trouble. Therefore, it is essential to verify accurate and official information before setting out on your journey.
