What is Toll Tax and Why is it Collected?
Toll tax is a fee collected from vehicles for using certain roads, primarily highways and expressways. The funds collected are used for the maintenance and development of these roads. Toll collection is managed either by the NHAI or private companies that have built and maintain the roads.
How Can You Legally Bypass Toll Tax?
Condition for Exemption
According to an old tweet by the NHAI, vehicles can pass through toll plazas without paying the toll tax under specific circumstances. If the line of vehicles waiting at the toll booth extends beyond 100 meters, vehicles are allowed to pass without paying to reduce congestion.
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Maximum Waiting Time
The NHAI has also set a maximum waiting time of 10 seconds for toll collection. If the waiting time exceeds this limit, toll operators are required to let vehicles pass to avoid long queues.
Markings on Toll Lanes
To facilitate this process, a yellow line is drawn 100 meters from the toll booth. If the queue of vehicles extends past this line, the toll booth is required to allow vehicles to pass without charging the toll until the queue is reduced to within 100 meters.
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Historical Context: The 2008 Free Rule
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, there should be a minimum distance of 60 kilometers between two toll plazas on any highway. This rule aims to prevent frequent toll collection over short distances. However, due to space constraints and traffic congestion, exceptions can be made, allowing for two toll plazas within the 60-kilometer range.
Difference Between Road Tax and Toll Tax
- Road Tax: Paid to the RTO for using various roads within a state.
- Toll Tax: Paid for using specific roads, usually highways or expressways, managed by the NHAI or a private company.
FAQs
What happens if the toll queue extends beyond 100 meters?
According to NHAI guidelines, if the queue extends beyond 100 meters, vehicles are allowed to pass without paying the toll to reduce congestion.
Is there a time limit for toll collection?
Yes, the NHAI has set a maximum waiting time of 10 seconds for toll collection. If this limit is exceeded, vehicles must be allowed to pass without paying the toll.
What is the minimum distance between two toll plazas?
The minimum distance between two toll plazas should be 60 kilometers, as per the 2008 rule by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Can there be two toll plazas within 60 kilometers?
Yes, due to space constraints and traffic congestion, there can be two toll plazas within the 60-kilometer range.
Who collects toll tax?
Toll tax is collected by the company that built and maintains the highway or the NHAI.
Conclusion
Understanding how toll tax works and the conditions under which you can legally bypass it can help you navigate India's highways more efficiently. Remember to always follow legal guidelines to avoid any penalties or issues.