# Pune RTO switches from MH-12 to MH-61 for new vehicles 2026-08-25T20:56:03+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Pune's Regional Transport Office has formally switched from the MH-12 vehicle registration code to MH-61 for all new four-wheelers and two-wheelers, after the old series was exhausted. The order was issued on Tuesday by regional transport officer Archana Gayakwad. The new four-wheeler series will start with MH-61 A 0001. The RTO will accept applications for preferred numbers on August 27, with an auction on August 28 at Sahakar Sabhagruh. The move ensures no disruption in registrations. The RTO had explored retaining MH-12 through an alphanumeric format like MH-12 1A, but that requires central government approval and more time. Officials said MH-12 could eventually return once the technical and regulatory process is complete. ## Indian Opinion Analysis This is not the first time a Pune series has been exhausted: MH-14 and MH-13 preceded MH-12 as the city grew. The switch affects lakhs of new vehicle buyers each year, who now carry MH-61 on number plates, registration certificates and insurance documents. The auction for fancy numbers is a routine revenue earner for the RTO. The real question is whether the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will approve the alphanumeric format that could restore MH-12, and how long that clearance will take. Until then, MH-61 is the permanent-seeming temporary solution. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Straight announcement of RTO order, no editorial slant This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Archana Gayakwad, MH-12, MH-61, Pune RTO Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/pune-rto-switches-from-mh-12-to-mh-61-for-new-vehicles/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/pune-rto-switches-from-mh-12-to-mh-61-for-new-vehicles/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/