Motorcyclists queue for the M-Tag installation 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 bikers 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 obtain the electronic tag – previously used mainly for cars – as part of what officials describe as a broader initiative to improve safety monitoring and streamline vehicle records management.
However, several citizens visiting the centers this week said the rollout had been marred by confusion, procedural difficulties and insufficient public communication.
Outside of a number of establishments, riders reported prolonged wait times during the fast, with some questioning why the initiative was not introduced in stages or postponed until after Ramazan.
“There is no clear information on the exact effect of the label on motorcycles,” said a motorist who had been waiting for more than an hour. “If it is a security measure, authorities should explain how it will work differently from existing controls.”
Women and elderly candidates were also seen in the same queues, with no dedicated facilitation counters or appointment system in place.
Officials argue that extending M-Tags to motorcycles aims to strengthen vehicle traceability and support law enforcement. Islamabad police and security checks at entry points already involve checking national identity cards, driving licenses and vehicle documents.
Several citizens wondered what additional benefits the new system would offer beyond these measures. “We are already showing our documents at checkpoints,” said one I-9 passenger. “How will this beacon improve security in practical terms? »
While M-Tags are widely used for cars to facilitate payment of tolls and regulate access to highways, users said authorities have not yet clarified whether toll charges will automatically apply to motorcycles or whether the tags are only for tracking and documentation purposes.
A significant bottleneck appears to arise from documentation requirements. According to registration center officials, M-Tags are only issued when the registered owner is physically present and the motorcycle bears its original registration plate along with full documentation.
Center officials acknowledged that many motorcycles in the capital are registered in the names of relatives or have not been officially transferred to current users. This has led to delays, with applicants asked to complete the transfer of ownership before obtaining the tag – a process some have described as “long and expensive”.
“For families whose motorcycle is registered in the name of a relative or belongs to someone living abroad, this requirement creates unnecessary complications,” said another rider.
Although the installation fee is Rs250, several motorcyclists have argued that even minor physical changes could affect the resale value, especially for high-end motorcycles.
“Even small modifications can reduce the resale price,” said a motorcycle owner at the Malpur registration center. “If the policy is mandatory, these costs should have been incorporated into existing excise or registration taxes.”
Others have expressed concerns about the physical security of the tag itself, noting that motorcycles do not have enclosed interiors where electronic devices can be safely installed.
Despite official assurances that the initiative aims to streamline documentation and improve oversight, public awareness appears limited. No detailed public guidance has yet clarified operational aspects such as the applicability of tolls, sanctions for non-compliance or data protection guarantees.
