Recently, a video has gone viral on social media wherein a toll employee asked an army officer to pay toll. He said that soldiers have to pay toll while on leave. Toll exemption is only for officers while on duty. This has sparked debate on social media about the rules of Toll exemption.
In India, soldiers on leave are generally NOT automatically exempted from paying toll on national highways. Here’s the clear rule 👇
Who Gets Toll Exemption?
As per rules issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways:
Toll exemption is given to:
- Vehicles of the Armed Forces (official duty vehicles)
- Vehicles carrying uniformed personnel on official duty
- Military convoys
- Certain government officials (as notified)
What About Soldiers on Leave?
If a soldier is:
- Traveling in a private vehicle
- In civil dress
- On personal leave
- Not on official movement orders**
Then toll has to be paid like any normal citizen.
When Can a Soldier Avoid Toll?
A soldier may be exempt if:
- Traveling in an official military vehicle
- On official duty
- Carrying valid movement orders
- In uniform (in some cases, depending on toll operator verification)
Important Note
Some toll booths may show courtesy or allow free passage, but legally there is no blanket exemption for soldiers on leave in private vehicles.
Click here to download Toll Exemption Rules
