MH-12 1A soon: Pune to get India’s first digit-letter vehicle series

Pune's unique vehicle registration code 'MH-12' is poised to persist despite the impending depletion of the current series. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has suggested a fresh registration format – 'MH-12 1A' – to guarantee that automobiles registered in the city continue to display the original code. Currently, the RTO is issuing registrations under the concluding 'ZZ' series of MH-12.

As the existing arrangement draws near its limit, the RTO has explored options for a new series. However, transitioning to a three-letter series proved unviable, leading the RTO to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for the introduction of the 'MH-12 1A' format. This novel approach, according to authorities, would mark the first of its kind in India, enabling the Pune RTO to preserve the MH-12 identity while generating supplementary registration numbers.

Until the new series is officially launched, vehicles procured in Pune will bear the 'MH-61' code. This temporary solution is intended to prevent any disruption in vehicle registrations, especially during the upcoming festive season. Owners of vehicles receiving an MH-61 registration during this transitional phase will later be permitted to transfer their vehicles to the new MH-12 series, subject to a small fee, as per the proposal.

The decision to employ the MH-61 code earlier sparked apprehensions among vehicle owners and others, instilling fears that Pune's longstanding MH-12 identity might eventually come to an end. Addressing this concern, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol approached Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, requesting the continuation of the MH-12 code for Pune.

Gadkari responded favorably to the plea, paving the way for the proposal of the new MH-12 series to progress. A draft notification proposing the new registration format is anticipated to be published in the near future. This notification will solicit objections and suggestions from the public prior to the finalization and implementation of the new series.