Motorcyclists queue to install M-Tag at Kachnar Park. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
The federal capital’s decision to make M-Tag registration mandatory for motorcycles has sparked growing public frustration, with riders questioning both the timing and clarity of the policy as long queues form outside registration centers during Ramazan.
Authorities have set up 13 M-Tag registration points across Islamabad, requiring motorcyclists to acquire the electronic tag – previously used primarily for cars – as part of what officials describe as a wider effort to improve safety monitoring and streamline the handling of vehicle records.
But several citizens who visited the centers this week said the rollout has been marred by confusion, procedural difficulties and insufficient public communication.
Outside a number of facilities, riders reported extended wait times while fasting, with some questioning why the initiative was not phased in or delayed until after Ramazan.
“There is no clear information on what exactly the brand will do for motorcycles,” said a commuter who had been waiting for more than an hour. “If this is a security measure, the authorities should explain how it will work differently from existing controls.”
Female riders and older applicants were also seen standing in the same queues, without dedicated facilitation desks or an appointment-based system in place.
Officials claim that the expansion of M-Tags to motorcycles aims to strengthen vehicle traceability and support law enforcement agencies. Islamabad police and security checks at entry points already involve verification of national identity cards, driving licenses and vehicle documentation.
Several citizens questioned what additional benefit the new system would provide beyond these measures. “We’re already presenting our documents at checkpoints,” said one I-9 rider. “How will this roof improve safety in practical terms?”
While M-Tags are widely used for cars to facilitate tolls and regulate highway access, riders said authorities have not yet clarified whether tolls will automatically apply to motorcycles or if the tags are purely for tracking and documentation purposes.
A significant bottleneck appears to stem from documentation requirements. According to officials at registration centers, M-Tags are issued only when the registered owner is physically present and the motorcycle carries its original number plate along with complete documentation.
Center leaders acknowledged that many motorcycles in the capital are registered in the name of relatives or have not been formally handed over to current users. This has resulted in delays, with applicants being instructed to complete ownership transfers before getting the tag – a process some described as “time-consuming and expensive”.
“For families where the motorcycle is registered in a relative’s name or owned by someone living abroad, the requirement creates unnecessary complications,” said another rider.
Although the installation fee is Rs250, several motorcyclists claimed that even minor physical changes could affect the resale value, especially for high-end bikes.
“Even small changes can reduce the resale price,” said a motorcycle owner at the Malpur registration centre. “If the policy is mandatory, such costs should have been incorporated into existing excise or registration fees.”
Others expressed concern about the physical security of the brand itself, noting that motorcycles lack enclosed interiors where electronic devices can be safely installed.
Despite official assurances that the initiative aims to streamline documentation and improve surveillance, public awareness appears to be limited. No detailed public guidelines have yet clarified operational aspects such as tax application, penalties for non-compliance or data protection measures.
