What is M-Tag and Why Do You Need It for Pakistani Highways?

Curve-Bar
what is m tag

The National Highways and Motorway Police of Pakistan has made M-Tags compulsory for vehicles using motorways. Without one for your vehicle, you will not be allowed to enter.

But here’s the catch: these tags let you pass toll stations without paying on the spot or waiting in long queues. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have to pay the charges; it just means that the system handles them automatically.

Read this article to find out what M-tag is, its purpose, and how it works.

What is M Tag and How Does it Work?

So, what is M-tag? It is a small RFID sticker placed on your vehicle’s windshield that links your car to an online account.

On this account, you load a prepaid amount that suffices for your toll payments. When you drive through the toll plaza, the system reads the RFID sticker and automatically deducts the amount from the linked account. Once the payment is deducted, you will be informed via a text message.

This has led to improved traffic conditions around the stations. Not only this, the systems help collect data on vehicles using the motorways, including the traffic volume and speed.

Who Needs It?

Now that you know what an m-tag is and how it works, let’s see who needs it. If you’re planning to drive on the motorway frequently, you’re one of the people who need it.

These include:

  1. Private car owners using the motorway
  2. Commercial vehicles carrying goods or passengers
  3. Intercity buses  and vans
  4. Ride-hailing and taxi drivers
  5. Anyone entering the motorway at any point

How to get M-Tag in Pakistan?

The process of M-tag registration in Pakistan is fairly simple. But before you initiate the process, make sure you keep the following documents with you. These are important to avoid delays in the completion of the process.

You need the following:

  1. Original CNIC of the vehicle owner
  2. The vehicle’s original registration documents
  3. A working mobile number for SMS alerts
  4. The vehicle for which you require the RFID sticker

In case you own more cars, you need to have one for each vehicle to pass through a motorway. But don’t worry, you can use the same mobile number and CNIC to apply.

Now that you know the requirements for the registration, let’s take a look at the process.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit an M-Tag Registration Center: They are located at major motorway toll plazas and service areas. You can look for one near you.
  2. Provide Documents: You’ll need the documents mentioned above.
  3. Fill out a Form: To complete the process, you will first have to fill out an application form.
  4. Pay the Fee: There’s a registration fee (currently around PKR 250-500, with some initial balance included).
  5. Get the Sticker: Once approved, the RFID sticker will be issued and pasted to your car’s windshield.

How to Recharge Your M-Tag

Upon completing the registration, you’ll need to ensure you top up your balance to cover your toll expenses. This is crucial because, during the initial signup, only a minimal amount is charged to finalise the process. However, that initial charge might only be sufficient for the activation itself, not for actual travel.

To recharge your M-Tag balance, you have several convenient options available. You can do it using both offline and online methods.

To load your balance manually, you can visit a center at toll plazas and provide them with your ID along with cash to top up your account.

If you’re wondering how to recharge M-Tag online, here are a couple of easy methods:

  1. Top-up using the M-Tag One Network application. You can download it and load balance using the flexible payment options available.
  2. You can also load balance using EasyPaisa and JazzCash accounts by simply using your 8-digit M-Tag ID.


Recharging is only part of staying ready for motorway travel. It also helps to know how to quickly check whether your M-Tag is active and how much balance you have before hitting the road.

How to Check M-Tag ID Status or Balance

If you are unsure whether your ID is active or just want to see how much balance is left, you can find out in seconds without visiting the station or calling.

Here is how to check your ID. Send a simple message to 9909, sharing your registered CNIC number. It will reply to you with an update on the status.

Moreover, if you want to check the M-Tag balance, you can simply send a text message using the same number with your ID. You will receive a message on how much balance is in your account.

It is always a good idea to check before heading out, especially on longer trips. This way, you are not caught off guard at the toll booth.

You don’t always have to rely on SMS to get updates. This way, you can track all the details—even the status and balance, without using the SMS service through the app.

Using the One Network App

The One Network App gives you full access to your M-Tag details in one place. You can download it on your phone and sign up using your CNIC number.

Once logged in, the app shows your ID status, current balance, and recent toll activity. You can even check the toll cost from one point to another before starting your trip. This helps you if you use the motorway often and want to stay updated, without having to send messages.

The app also lets you recharge your balance using different payment methods. It handles everything with a few taps, making it much more convenient than offline options.

Final Word

At Deinfa Motors, we want to make your motorway journeys easier by helping you understand what M-Tag is and how it works.

If you haven’t registered for one yet, now is the time. Get it today and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted travel every time you hit a motorway.