MH-12 Series Ending In 2 Days? Pune RTO Set To Introduce New MH-61 Registration Code

Pune's Regional Transport Office (RTO) is set to introduce a new vehicle registration code, MH-61, to circumvent the imminent exhaustion of the current MH-12 series. As the existing MH-12 series issued by Pune RTO is expected to conclude within the next two days, officials have made a swift decision to transition to the MH-61 series.

This new series will be introduced for two-wheelers, as the available two-letter combinations in the current MH-12-ZZ series are almost depleted. Although Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol had advocated for retaining the MH-12 series, technical challenges delayed the proposed format. After evaluating multiple proposals, including a three-letter English series and a modified MH-12 format, a separate MH-61 series has been selected as the most viable solution.

The rapid surge in vehicle registrations, with over 44.71 lakh vehicles registered as of July 2026, has led to the urgent need for a new registration code. While the possibility of retaining the MH-12 identity remains open, technical hurdles have hindered the implementation of the proposed 'MH 12 One A' option. Officials are currently examining this alternative, which could potentially become available a few months post the MH-61 series introduction.

Ultimately, vehicle owners may have the option to choose between the available registration series based on the final decision and technical feasibility.