Last updated: 7 November 2026 (Asia/Karachi). Checked against the Press Information Department release of 13 February 2026 and NHMP press releases up to October 2026. No fine amount for tyres has been announced in these releases, so none is quoted.
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In this guide
The new motorway rule in Pakistan came on 13 February 2026, when Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan ordered that the tyres of every vehicle entering the motorway be inspected after a fatal crash on the M-9. Vehicles with expired or substandard tyres are not to be allowed on. Since then the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has added more checks, which this page tracks in date order.
New motorway rule timeline for 2026
| Date | Source | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Feb 2026 | PID release No. 168 | Tyre quality of every vehicle entering the motorway to be inspected; expired or substandard tyres barred; private cars also checked |
| 17 Jun 2026 | NHMP | Passenger and cargo vehicles without fire extinguishers not allowed on from 24 June 2026 |
| 20 Jun 2026 | NHMP | Legal action against passenger vehicles without extinguishers after 24 June; awareness extended 60 days for cars, jeeps, SUVs and other categories |
| 21 Jun 2026 | NHMP | Earlier speed limits restored: 120 km/h for cars and LTVs, 110 km/h for PSVs and HTVs on motorways |
| 14 Jul 2026 | NHMP | Regular checks of PSV fitness and tyres; long route buses must carry two drivers |
| 8 Oct 2026 | NHMP | Special checks for vehicle fitness, illegal HID lights and worn out tyres |
What the tyre rule means for car owners
Under the new motorway rule, the minister’s order was clear that commercial vehicles need closer monitoring, but private vehicles must be inspected too. The release does not define an expiry age for tyres or set a fine, so treat any figure you see online as unconfirmed until NHMP publishes it.
- Look for cracks, bulges or exposed cords on the sidewall.
- Check tread depth across the whole width.
- Read the four digit date code on the sidewall, which shows the week and year of manufacture.
- Set pressure to the figure on the door sticker before a long trip.
- Do not forget the spare.
These steps are general safety advice, not wording from the new motorway rule itself.
Fire extinguisher rule on motorways
The fire safety part of the new motorway rule came in June. NHMP says it is mandatory for vehicles, especially passenger and cargo vehicles, to carry a working fire extinguisher. From 24 June 2026 passenger and cargo vehicles without one are not allowed on national highways and motorways. For cars, jeeps, SUVs and other categories, NHMP extended the awareness campaign by 60 days.
NHMP adds that expired or non functional extinguishers are not acceptable, so check the pressure gauge and expiry date before you travel.
HID lights and vehicle fitness checks
At its 8 October 2026 regional conference, the NHMP Inspector General told officers to run special checks on vehicle fitness, illegal High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights and substandard or worn out tyres. This widens the new motorway rule from tyres alone to the overall condition of the vehicle.
Speed limits after June 2026
| Vehicle | Motorway limit |
|---|---|
| Cars and LTVs | 120 km/h |
| PSVs and HTVs | 110 km/h |
Speeds are not part of the new motorway rule on tyres, but they changed in the same period. NHMP said on 21 June 2026 that the government had withdrawn a temporary speed cut and restored these limits. Earlier limits on national highways were restored too.
What the rule means for bus passengers
Most motorway travellers in Pakistan go by intercity coach, so the July and October directions matter as much as the new motorway rule for cars. NHMP told officers to inspect PSV fitness and tyres regularly and said long route passenger buses must carry two drivers to cut crashes caused by fatigue.
- Ask the operator whether a second driver is on board for long routes.
- Report a bus with visibly worn tyres to helpline 130.
- Check that the bus carries a fire extinguisher, which NHMP enforces for passenger vehicles from 24 June 2026.
What the new motorway rule does not say yet
| Question | Status on 7 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fine for expired or worn tyres | Not stated in the PID or NHMP releases we checked |
| Maximum tyre age in years | Not defined in the releases |
| Where checks take place | Not specified; NHMP describes special checks by its officers |
| Fire extinguisher size or type for cars | Not specified beyond certified, serviceable and not expired |
We will update this page when NHMP or the Ministry of Communications publishes a notification with these details. Until then, the safest reading of the new motorway rule is simple: drive on sound tyres and carry a working extinguisher.
Checklist before you enter the motorway
Use this list to meet the new motorway rule and the later NHMP checks in one go.
- Inspect all tyres and the spare.
- Carry a working fire extinguisher.
- Remove illegal HID lights.
- Keep a valid M-Tag balance for toll plazas.
- Save the Motorway Police helpline 130 in your phone.
For toll payments see our M-Tag registration guide, and for costs see our report on NHA toll tax increases. New routes are covered in our northern motorway project report.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new motorway rule in Pakistan?
Since 13 February 2026, the tyres of every vehicle entering the motorway are to be inspected, and vehicles with expired or substandard tyres are not allowed on.
Does the tyre rule apply to private cars?
Yes. The minister said private vehicles must also be inspected, though commercial vehicles need closer monitoring.
Is there a fine for bad tyres on the motorway?
No fine amount appears in the PID or NHMP releases checked for this page.
Do cars need a fire extinguisher on the motorway?
NHMP says extinguishers are mandatory, with enforcement on passenger and cargo vehicles from 24 June 2026 and a longer awareness period for cars and other vehicles.
What is the motorway speed limit in 2026?
120 km/h for cars and LTVs and 110 km/h for PSVs and HTVs, restored on 21 June 2026.
How do I contact Motorway Police?
Call the helpline 130.
