The Islamabad Excise Department has issued an important clarification regarding the newly announced M-Tag requirement for vehicles entering the federal capital. Officials confirmed that motorists who already have motorway M-Tags do not need to obtain a separate sticker for city entry.
According to Bilal Azam, Director of Excise, the department will begin issuing stickers at designated checkpoints across Islamabad starting November 18. He noted that all M-Tags previously issued by the Excise Office remain valid and continue to serve their purpose without any additional requirements.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital regulation, streamline traffic management, and ensure smoother vehicle verification across the metropolitan area. Authorities believe that the integrated tagging system will reduce manual checks and support efficient monitoring of registered vehicles.
This clarification comes after growing public confusion about whether drivers needed a separate M-Tag to enter Islamabad, in addition to the one already required for motorway travel. Officials have emphasized that a single valid M-Tag will suffice for both motorway and city checkpoints.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) and Motorway Police had earlier made M-Tag registration mandatory for all vehicles using motorways starting February 5, 2024. This decision was aimed at improving traffic flow and minimizing waiting times at toll booths. While the rule was initially implemented in phases, it has now become compulsory for all motorists intending to travel on the national motorway network.
Islamabad’s new M-Tag requirement aligns with the broader national shift toward digitalization of traffic systems. Authorities are encouraging vehicle owners to complete their M-Tag registration ahead of time to avoid delays at city entry points.
The Excise Department has reiterated that the step is designed to simplify processes rather than add inconvenience. With increased enforcement beginning later this month, officials urge motorists to ensure their tags are active and operational.