Toll tax exemption: Road charges, often referred to as “tolls,” are taxes levied for the maintenance and use of a country’s bridges, tunnels, and national or state highways. Let us tell you, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has made some rules and regulations for collecting toll tax, which are important to follow. Along with this, under these rules, some specific people and some specific vehicles have been exempted from toll tax. Who will never have to pay toll tax. Let us understand well what are the rules of toll tax and who will get the most benefit from it.
On what basis is toll tax imposed?
Road charges for different road networks may vary depending on various factors. NHAI has set strict guidelines for determining tax on all tolls across India. Toll tax is calculated for different vehicles based on their size and distance traveled. This means that heavy vehicles like trucks and buses will have to pay higher toll tax than cars. This is because heavy vehicles cause more damage to roads than smaller vehicles.
They get 100 percent exemption in toll tax
As per Central Government rules, heavy vehicles like cars, trucks, tractors, jeeps, trolleys etc. are given 100% exemption to use National Highways and Expressways. That means you don’t have to pay any money to pass through here. Let us tell you, two-wheelers do not have to pay toll.
Toll tax is not collected from these special vehicles
The official rules of toll tax also state that certain categories of vehicles are not required to pay toll tax under any circumstances. These include emergency vehicles, military and public vehicles. If toll tax is collected from them, then the drivers can lodge a complaint.
Know- How many times is the rule to pay tax within 24 hours
NHAI rules say that if a vehicle passes the booth twice within 24 hours, it will have to pay only one and a half times the total road charge. The rules say that passengers visiting the booth more than once will have to pay only two-thirds of the total amount of booth tax.
These people never have to pay toll tax
According to NHAI, if you fall in the 5 categories mentioned below, you will not have to pay any toll tax at any booth across India.
- Emergency vehicles like ambulance, fire brigade and other similar vehicles will not have to pay any road tax while crossing the booth.
- Defense vehicles, including trucks, army cars and other similar vehicles under the direct control of the Defense Department, are also exempted from toll tax.
- VIP vehicles carrying or accompanying eminent persons such as the President of India, Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers, MPs and High Court judges are exempted from paying road charges. Along with this, Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra winners also do not have to pay toll tax. For this they will have to show photo identity card.
- Public transport, such as state buses, are exempted from toll tax as per NHAI guidelines.
- Finally, two-wheelers will not have to pay any tax while crossing the booth.