No toll payment if there's a long queue? NHAI explains the rules
Even regular expressway commuters are often unaware of NHAI's rules. Do you believe that you can pass through the toll for free if the vehicle queue exceeds 100 meters? Here is the truth.
Many people frequently travel via expressways. If you also use expressways regularly, you likely have to pay at toll plazas; however, long queues of vehicles often result in a significant waste of time. It is worth noting that the NHAI is taking several measures to prevent long queues at toll plazas, aiming to ensure vehicles do not have to stop and can pay the toll without halting.
Many people believe that if a queue at a toll plaza exceeds 100 meters, drivers are permitted to pass without paying the toll. If you share this belief, you should be aware of the facts regarding this matter.
The truth revealed in an 'X' post.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has shared information regarding this on its official social media platform, 'X', clarifying the reality of the situation. The NHAI has explicitly stated that a queue of vehicles exceeding 100 meters at a toll plaza does *not* mean vehicles are allowed to pass through for free. This is merely a misconception.
🚧 Know Your National Highways | #MythvsFact
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) September 21, 2026
Today’s myth addresses a common misconception that vehicles are entitled to free passage if queues at toll plazas extend beyond the 100-metre mark.
In reality, there is no such provision under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.… pic.twitter.com/ZwzFCJwrDX
Understand the toll plaza rules.
If you travel on expressways, you should know that the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, contain no provision allowing vehicles to pass through the toll for free simply because the queue exceeds 100 meters.
Consequently, if a driver violates the rules and attempts to pass without paying the toll, action may be taken against them. This could include the imposition of a fine and the blacklisting of their FASTag.
Read the rules at the toll plaza.
If you, too, have any misconceptions regarding exemptions, first read the information and rules displayed at the toll plaza. Do not rely on any kind of exemption without understanding the rules.
