Pune RTO Proposes India's First 'MH-12 1A' Digit-Letter Vehicle Series; Know the Reason
To prevent the loss of Pune's iconic 'MH-12' vehicle registration code as its final series nears exhaustion, the RTO has proposed India's first digit-letter format, 'MH-12 1A'. Vehicles will temporarily use 'MH-61' until the new format is approved. Vehicle owners who receive the interim MH-61 registration will later be permitted to transfer their vehicles to the new MH-12 series.
Pune’s iconic "MH-12" vehicle registration identity is set to be preserved. Even as the existing series nears exhaustion, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has proposed a pioneering "MH-12 1A" registration format to ensure vehicles registered in the city can continue carrying their original code.
Background and the Exhaustion of the ‘ZZ’ Series
The Pune RTO has been issuing vehicle registrations under the final "ZZ" series of the MH-12 block, reports Indian Express. With the current format reaching its numerical limit and transitioning to a conventional three-letter series proving unfeasible, authorities explored alternative solutions. Viral Video: Girl Kisses Rahul Gandhi at ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event in Pune.
The RTO subsequently submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to introduce the country's first-ever "MH-12 1A" configuration. Under this unique structure, a digit and a letter will be combined immediately following the traditional MH-12 code, creating a novel template to accommodate additional registration numbers.
Interim Arrangements and Festive Season Measures
To prevent any disruption in vehicle registrations during the transition period -particularly ahead of the peak festive season - newly purchased vehicles in Pune will temporarily be registered under the "MH-61" code. Vehicle owners who receive the interim MH-61 registration will later be permitted to transfer their vehicles to the new MH-12 series upon paying a nominal fee once the format is officially implemented.
Political Intervention and Next Steps
The initial shift toward the temporary MH-61 code had sparked public concern that Pune's long-standing automotive identity might be permanently phased out. Addressing these sentiments, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to advocate for the continuation of the MH-12 code. What Are the 3 Types of Violence Against Women Rahul Gandhi Spoke About in Pune?
Following Gadkari's positive response, the proposal was advanced. A draft notification outlining the new format is expected to be published shortly, inviting public objections and suggestions before final ratification.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2026 08:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).