With the expansion of national highways and toll plazas across India, toll collection has become a part of daily life for millions of commuters. However, not every driver on the road is obligated to pay toll charges under every circumstance. One such important rule that provides relief to local residents is the 20 KM Toll Exemption Rule.
This rule grants toll exemptions to people living within a 20-kilometer radius of a toll plaza. Designed to ensure that residents near toll booths are not financially burdened for routine travel, the rule has specific eligibility criteria and an application process.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 20 KM Toll Exemption Rule — from its purpose and benefits to the steps required to apply.
🛣️ What is the 20 KM Toll Exemption Rule?
The 20 KM Toll Exemption Rule is a directive issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It states that:
Vehicles registered and owned by residents living within a 20-kilometer radius of a toll plaza are eligible for a discounted toll fee or full exemption, depending on the type of usage.
This means that local residents, who frequently use a particular toll plaza as part of their daily travel, can avail of concessional or free toll passes to reduce their burden.
🏠 Who is Eligible for Toll Exemption?
Not all vehicles qualify under the 20 KM rule. Here are the types of users who are eligible:
✅ 1. Local Non-Commercial Private Vehicles
- Cars, two-wheelers, and other private vehicles registered in the name of a resident living within a 20 KM radius.
✅ 2. School or College Vehicles
- Buses or vans transporting students that are based within the 20 KM area.
✅ 3. Government or Panchayat Vehicles
- Vehicles owned by government institutions situated nearby.
❌ Not Eligible:
- Commercial vehicles unless used for agricultural purposes
- Non-local registered vehicles
- Vehicles with fake or mismatched documents
📍 How Is the 20 KM Radius Calculated?
The radius is measured from the toll plaza in a straight line (air distance) and not by road travel distance. The NHAI uses GPS and mapping tools to validate whether an address falls within the eligible area.
If your residence or institution is within 20 km, you can submit proof and apply for a toll discount or exemption.
📋 Documents Required to Apply for Exemption
To get approval under the 20 KM rule, the applicant must submit the following documents:
- Proof of Residence:
- Aadhaar Card
- Electricity Bill
- Ration Card
- Property Tax Receipt
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC):
- Should be in the applicant’s name
- Must mention a local address within 20 KM
- Passport Size Photo
- Declaration of Usage:
- That the vehicle is non-commercial or personal use only
- FASTag Account Details:
- Since toll exemption is now linked digitally to FASTag
🛠️ How to Apply for Toll Exemption Under the 20 KM Rule
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the Nearest Toll Plaza Office
- Every toll booth has a toll manager or operating agency.
- Ask for the local pass application form.
- Submit the Required Documents
- Attach proof of residence, RC, and photo ID.
- Verification by Toll Officials
- NHAI verifies your documents and address using maps and government records.
- Approval and FASTag Linking
- If eligible, your FASTag will be updated with a local exemption pass.
- Receive Discounted Toll or Free Pass
- You will either receive free access or a monthly concessional pass.
📌 Note: Each pass is valid only for the specific toll plaza you applied to. It’s non-transferable and subject to periodic verification.
💡 Digital Integration with FASTag in 2025
As of 2025, the toll exemption under the 20 KM rule is integrated with the FASTag system, making toll deduction and pass management seamless and cashless.
- No more manual slip-based passes
- All local exemptions are auto-applied via FASTag sensors
- If your FASTag is inactive or not linked correctly, exemption won’t apply
So, ensure your FASTag KYC is updated and linked to your correct vehicle and address.
📊 Example Scenarios
| User | Residence | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravi (Farmer) | 15 KM from toll | ✅ Yes | Monthly pass ₹150 |
| Meena (Teacher) | 10 KM from toll | ✅ Yes | 100% exemption |
| Ajay (Transport Owner) | 18 KM from toll | ❌ Commercial use | Not eligible |
| Priya (Student) | 25 KM from toll | ❌ Beyond limit | Not eligible |
⚠️ Key Rules to Remember
- One vehicle per resident can avail the exemption
- The vehicle must be non-commercial and locally registered
- Passes are valid for one toll plaza only
- Fake documents or misuse can lead to permanent disqualification
- Monthly renewal or re-verification may be needed in some zones
🧠 Benefits of the 20 KM Exemption Rule
This rule provides great advantages to local residents and community members:
✅ Financial Savings:
Daily users can save significant amounts every month.
✅ Encouragement for Local Commute:
No burden on those who live near toll gates for short-distance travel.
✅ Promotes Digital Adoption:
All discounts and passes are managed through FASTag.
✅ Community-Friendly Governance:
Shows government’s intent to balance infrastructure costs with citizen welfare.
📢 Public Grievances and Support
If you feel you were denied the exemption unfairly, or there is a delay in the application process, you can:
- Visit the toll plaza manager
- Call the NHAI helpline (1033)
- Write to the NHAI regional office with your complaint and documents
All grievances are supposed to be resolved within 15 working days.
🔚 Conclusion
The 20 KM Toll Exemption Rule is a progressive and practical initiative to support the local population living near toll plazas. While highways are essential for national development, so is consideration for daily local travelers who should not be penalized for living near infrastructure.
If you’re eligible, make sure to apply through proper channels, link your FASTag, and enjoy the benefits of cashless and concession-based tolling.
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