Islamabad’s M-tag requirement extended to motorcycles, starting Feb 20

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration has announced that M-tag registration will be compulsory for all motorcycles starting February 20, marking the launch of the second phase of the city’s vehicle tagging program. The directive was confirmed by the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad in a post on X.

The new rule applies to all types of motorcycles operating in the capital, including standard bikes, heavy motorcycles, and ride-hailing vehicles. Authorities have clarified that no category will be exempt. Motorcycle owners must present their vehicle registration documents and national identity card to obtain the M-tag, and applications cannot be processed without both. The M-tag sticker will be placed in front of the speedometer.

To facilitate the process, 13 designated M-tag issuance centers will open across Islamabad from 10:00 AM on February 20. Staff at each center will assist applicants and manage queues to ensure smooth registration. Motorcycle owners are urged to carry all required documents to avoid delays.

The M-tag initiative was first introduced for cars to enhance traffic management and improve compliance with vehicle registration rules. During the first phase, authorities also activated M-tag readers at 12 key entry points to prevent unregistered vehicles from entering the city, a measure that will continue under the new phase for motorcycles.

According to Director General of Excise Bilal Azam, timely registration will help streamline traffic, reduce delays at toll plazas, and prevent fines or inconvenience. Sixteen service centers have been established across Islamabad, including 24-hour counters at 26 Number Chungi and 17 Meel toll plazas, while additional centers in Kachnar Park, Sector I-8, and F-9 Park will operate until midnight to meet demand.

The M-tag system aims to modernise vehicle tracking, improve toll collection, and provide commuters with a faster, more convenient registration process. Officials emphasized that the process is straightforward: only the registration card and CNIC are required, and the tag is issued on the spot if documents are valid.