Toll-Free Travel Unveiled: Which Drivers in India Bypass Toll Charges?

Toll Tax Free: The government keeps rolling out new rules for the toll plazas, and the latest is that you’ll need to top up your FASTag to prepay the toll tax. Now, another system has kicked in—it lets anyone whose home is within 20 km of a toll booth pass in and out as often as they need for a whole month, as long as they get a pass the first time. That way, you can dodge the extra toll every single time. Too often people lose cash from their FASTag because they don’t know the rules, and that just leads to frustration and hassle, but with this new setup, that problem should recede. Here’s how it works.  

You pay nothing if your journey is within 20 km of the plaza. All you need is a pass, and you can zoom through the barrier without another fee. The best part is that in September 2024, the government rolled out the “Jitni Doori, Utna Toll” policy, which means you’ll pay only for the distance you actually travel, up to that 20 km mark.

According to the newly introduced guideline, vehicles fitted with GNSS tracking systems can now travel toll-free for journeys up to 20 kilometers. This change is part of the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008, which the government has recently amended. The pilot rollout began on select national highways in July 2024.  

Residents living within a 20-kilometer radius of a toll plaza can take advantage of this benefit. The process is simple: for a one-time payment of Rs 340, a monthly pass is issued. The pass allows unlimited toll-free journeys for the next 30 days, with no additional charges on the FASTag. If the pass is obtained in advance, the process is straightforward and stress-free. This initiative represents an excellent opportunity for nearby motorists to travel without the burden of toll costs.

Here’s what you’ll need for the monthly local resident pass:

1. Proof of address within 20 km (this can be Aadhar card, voter ID, electricity bill, or a bank statement).
2. Vehicle registration certificate (RC).
3. Recent passport-size photograph (if asked).
4. Active FASTag account linked to the vehicle.

Next, head to the administrative office of the toll plaza you plan to use. Ask for the local resident monthly pass application form. Complete the form, then attach the documents listed above.  

Pay the fee of Rs 340—cash, card, or any digital wallet works—together with the application. The toll plaza staff will verify your documents and the details on the form.  

Once they approve your request, your FASTag will be updated for unlimited trips, or you’ll be issued a printed pass, depending on the plaza’s processes. After that, you can drive through the toll any number of times for the rest of the month.

Commercial vehicles do not qualify for this pass. This pass is only for one toll plaza—using it elsewhere is not allowed. You must apply for it again each month and pay the same fees again. If you change your vehicle and if you move outside this address, you must tell the toll authorities right away so your records can be changed. Any commercial vehicle or any vehicle thatis registered more than 20 kilometers away from the plaza cannot get the pass for Rs 340. The Rs 340 monthly pass is a good deal for people who live close to the toll plaza.

Read More: Relief for debt-ridden company, 3,300 crore arranged, share price at 11, watch tomorrow