Under the rule, vehicles at toll booths should ideally not be delayed for more than 10 seconds per vehicle during normal operations.

The move is aimed at ensuring smoother movement on busy national highways.

According to the policy, if the queue of waiting vehicles stretches beyond 100 metres from the toll booth, operators are expected to allow vehicles to pass without collecting toll until congestion reduces.

This measure was introduced to prevent traffic pile-ups, fuel wastage and unnecessary delays.

Yellow markings are often placed near plazas to indicate the 100-metre distance point.

Long waits at toll plazas can lead to driver frustration, increased emissions and traffic bottlenecks.

With rising highway traffic across India, the rule seeks to make toll collection faster and more commuter-friendly.

It also supports smoother functioning of FASTag lanes.

Drivers should maintain lane discipline, keep FASTag accounts active and avoid unnecessary lane changes near toll booths.

If queues extend excessively, travellers may politely raise the issue with toll staff or relevant helplines.

India is gradually moving towards more seamless tolling technologies, including barrier-free and GPS-based systems that may reduce stoppages further in the future.

Until then, the 10-second rule remains an important commuter protection measure.