NHA Introduces 50% Toll Hike for Non-M-Tag Vehicles
NHA additional toll tax 2025 The National Highways Authority (NHA) has changed its toll charging rules. Beginning on the 15th of June, 2025, any vehicle that does not have M-Tag or has insufficient balance in the M-Tag account will incur a toll fee that is 50% higher than the regular fee at the toll booths. The intent of this initiative is to encourage a nation-wide use of the M-Tag electronic tolling system on motorways.
The NHA seeks to modernize the toll collection system and deter congestion at the toll plaza sites. By functioning on an electronic tolling system, the NHA expects toll payments to become easier, along with traffic flow improvement across Pakistan’s motorway network.
Legal Backing and Motorways Affected
This decision has also been formally recognised and has been notified under Section 10(2)(vii) of the NHA Act 1991, which was amended in 2024 to enable these changes. The imposition of increased toll charges will be recognized on several main motorways such as:
- M-1: Islamabad to Peshawar
- M-2: Lahore to Islamabad
- M-3: Pindi Bhattian to Multan
- M-4: Faisalabad to Multan
- M-5: Multan to Sukkur
- M-9: Karachi to Hyderabad
- M-14: D.I. Khan to Hakla
- E-35: Hassanabdal to Mansehra Expressway
Updated Toll Rates for Non-Compliant Vehicles
NHA additional toll tax 2025 says that Drivers without an M-Tag or with low balance will now face higher toll charges. The new policy imposes a 50% surcharge on such vehicles, making travel more expensive.
Under the revised rates, passenger vehicles will pay:
- Rs1,800 on Islamabad–Lahore (M-2),
- Rs1,200 on Lahore–Abdul Hakim (M-3),
- Rs1,600 on Pindi Bhattian–Multan (M-4),
- Rs1,800 on Multan–Sukkur (M-5),
- Rs1,000 on D.I. Khan–Hakla (M-14),
- and Rs450 on Hassanabdal–Mansehra Expressway (E-35).
These charges apply directly to those who do not comply with the M-Tag requirements.
Heavy Toll Burden on Commercial Transport
The increases are even more substantial for commercial vehicles. For instance, on the M-2 route, 2 and 3 axle trucks will pay Rs7,900 while artics will pay Rs10,200, all of which is with the 50% surcharge already applied for vehicles without an M-Tag.
Avoid Penalties: Register M-Tag in Advance
To avoid any additional toll charges, the NHA strongly recommends that all motorists register for an M-Tag and maintain a sufficient amount for use while traveling on motorways. It should be noted that M-Tag registration is widely available at toll plazas and authorized service centers across the country, which has made it easier for drivers to comply prior to the deadlines.
Why the Policy Matters
This policy change is planned to improve toll collection efficiency, reduce queuing at toll plaza booths, and support the adoption of digital payments on motorways, but it will also mean drivers who delay M-Tag registrations are going to pay significantly more.
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