Complete breakdown — what you pay, why you pay it, and how to plan your budget
Buying a scooty in Pakistan is often seen as an affordable, fuel-efficient alternative to cars and even motorcycles. However, many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that the showroom price is not the final amount they need to arrange. To legally ride your scooty on public roads, several government-mandated charges apply, both at the time of purchase and, in some cases, every year.
This guide explains the real scooty registration in Pakistan, based on practical experience with Excise & Taxation rules, dealer practices, and common buyer mistakes — in clear, beginner-friendly language.
1. What Does “Scooty Registration” Actually Mean?
In Pakistan, the on-road price is the total amount you must pay before your scooty is legally allowed on the road. It includes the vehicle itself plus all mandatory government and compliance charges.
Scooty Registration Price Usually Includes:
- Ex-showroom price (manufacturer/dealer price)
- Registration fee (Excise & Taxation)
- Motor vehicle / road tax
- Mandatory insurance
- Smart card & number plate charges
- Any applicable dealer processing fees
Understanding this upfront helps you avoid delivery-day surprises and budget accurately.
2. Scooty Registration Fee — Mandatory Government Charge
Every new scooty must be registered with the provincial Excise & Taxation Department. This fee officially records your vehicle and ownership in the government system (MTMIS).
Typical Scooty Registration Fees (Two-Wheelers)
| Engine Capacity | Approx. Registration Fee |
| Up to 70cc | ~PKR 1,000 |
| 71–100cc | ~PKR 1,500 |
| 101–125cc | ~PKR 2,000 |
| 126–150cc | ~PKR 2,500 |
| Above 150cc | 1–2% of invoice value |
📌 Important:
These figures are typical for Punjab and similar provinces. Exact rates can change and may vary slightly by province.
Example:
A 125cc scooty with an invoice price of PKR 240,000 usually attracts a registration fee of around PKR 2,000.
3. Road Tax / Motor Vehicle Tax — Why You Pay It
In addition to registration, provinces charge a motor vehicle tax (often called road tax). This is a government levy meant to support road infrastructure and transport administration.
How It’s Calculated:
- Some provinces apply a percentage of vehicle value (e.g., 1–2%)
- Others use fixed rates based on engine size
- Sometimes bundled into the annual token tax
This charge is usually paid at the time of registration.
4. Insurance — Legally Required, Not Optional
Under Pakistani law, third-party insurance is mandatory before a vehicle can be registered. Without insurance, your scooty is not legally compliant.
Insurance Types:
- Third-party insurance (minimum required): Covers damage or injury to others
- Comprehensive insurance: Covers theft, accidents, and own-damage
- Optional add-ons: Fire, theft, roadside assistance
Typical Cost Range:
For a mid-range scooty:
- PKR 6,000 – 15,000+, depending on coverage and insurer
💡 Expert Tip:
Dealer-offered insurance is often more expensive. Getting quotes directly from insurance companies can save money.
5. Smart Card & Number Plate Charges
Most provinces now issue:
- A smart registration card (digital ownership record)
- High-security number plates
Some provinces include this in the registration fee, while others charge separately.
Typical cost:
Around PKR 1,000 – 1,300 if charged separately.
6. Token Tax — Annual Cost to Stay Legal
After registration, a token tax may be payable annually. This keeps your vehicle legally active in government records.
- Usually under PKR 1,500 for two-wheelers
- Paid yearly or sometimes in multi-year blocks
Failure to pay can result in fines or problems during resale or transfer.
7. Dealer & Optional Charges — Where Buyers Overpay
These are not government fees, but commonly added by dealers:
- Dealer handling or processing fee
- Registration “agent” charges
- Accessories bundled without consent
- Extended warranty add-ons
⚠️ Always ask for official receipts for:
- Registration fee
- Taxes
- Smart card / plates
If a dealer cannot show an official challan, question the charge.
8. Practical Example — 125cc Scooty On-Road Cost
Assume a 125cc scooty with an ex-showroom price of PKR 240,000:
| Cost Component | Approx. Amount |
| Ex-showroom price | PKR 240,000 |
| Registration fee | ~PKR 2,000 |
| Motor vehicle tax (example 2%) | ~PKR 4,800 |
| Third-party insurance | ~PKR 8,000 |
| Smart card & plates | ~PKR 1,000 |
| Dealer processing | ~PKR 500 |
Estimated On-Road Cost:
➡️ ~PKR 256,300
(Illustrative example — actual figures depend on province and policy updates.)
9. Important Provincial Update (Punjab – 2024/25)
Punjab has revised vehicle charges in recent years, including:
- Flat registration fee around PKR 1,500 for many two-wheelers
- 10% transfer fee introduced for ownership change within 10 years
Because fee schedules can change, always verify the latest rates from your provincial Excise & Taxation department before purchase.
10. Expert Tips to Save Money & Avoid Problems
✅ Check official Excise/MTMIS rates online before visiting a dealer
✅ Compare insurance quotes independently
✅ Keep all receipts — essential for resale and legal proof
✅ For used scooties, transfer ownership immediately to avoid fines
✅ Budget for annual token tax from the start
Also Read: Scooty Maintenance and Tips
Final Takeaway — What You Really Pay
The true cost of owning a scooty in Pakistan is more than the sticker price. Your total budget should include:
- Vehicle price
- Registration & road tax
- Mandatory insurance
- Smart card & number plates
- Annual token tax
- Reasonable processing charges
When you understand these components in advance, buying a scooty becomes predictable, transparent, and stress-free — exactly how a practical urban vehicle purchase should be.
