Pune: Pune is set to get a new vehicle registration series, MH-61, as the existing MH-12 series issued by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is nearing exhaustion. The current MH-12 series is expected to end within the next two days, officials said on Saturday. To ensure that new vehicle registrations continue without interruption, the decision has been taken to introduce the MH-61 series for Pune.
The Pune RTO is currently issuing the MH-12-ZZ series for two-wheelers. With the available two-letter combinations almost exhausted, registrations under the existing series are expected to end within a few days. Union Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol had made efforts to retain the MH-12 series for Pune. However, technical issues have delayed the proposed new format. With little time left before the existing series runs out, officials have opted for a separate MH-61 series as an immediate solution.
The Pune RTO had submitted several proposals to address the shortage of registration numbers. One proposal was to introduce a three-letter English series after MH-12. Under the proposed format, vehicle numbers would have been issued as MH-12-AAA-1234. However, the longer registration number could have created problems for CCTV cameras and automated number plate recognition systems. The proposal was therefore dropped.
Another proposal, known as ‘MH 12 One A’, was then put forward. The format was expected to allow Pune to continue using the MH-12 identity while expanding the available number combinations. However, the proposal is currently facing technical hurdles. With the existing MH-12 series nearing its end, there was not enough time to resolve the issues and implement the new system.
As a result, the MH-61 series has been selected as an immediate alternative. The move will prevent a disruption in vehicle registrations in Pune. The need for a new series has become urgent due to the rapid increase in the number of vehicles registered with the Pune RTO. As of July 2026, more than 44.71 lakh vehicles were registered with the Pune RTO.
With vehicle registrations continuing to rise, the available number combinations are being exhausted quickly. The introduction of MH-61 is expected to ensure that new vehicles can continue to be registered without delays. However, the possibility of retaining the MH-12 identity has not been completely ruled out.
The Pune RTO has submitted the ‘MH 12 One A’ option to the ministry. The proposal would require certain technical changes before it can be implemented. Officials are expected to continue examining the option. If the technical issues are resolved, the MH 12 One A series could become available a few months after the MH-61 is introduced. However, there is no guarantee that the proposed format will be implemented. Vehicle owners may eventually have the option to choose between the available registration series, depending on the final decision and technical feasibility.
