# Pune RTO to introduce MH-61 as MH-12 series nears end

2026-08-22T08:38:05+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Pune Regional Transport Office is expected to exhaust its MH-12 vehicle registration series within two days and introduce MH-61 to prevent a break in new registrations. The office is currently issuing the MH-12-ZZ series for two-wheelers, with two-letter combinations nearly used up. A three-letter format, MH-12-AAA-1234, was dropped after concerns that longer numbers could affect CCTV cameras and automated number plate recognition systems. The proposed MH 12 One A format, which would retain Pune’s MH-12 identity, is facing technical hurdles and has been sent to the ministry for consideration. More than 44.71 lakh vehicles were registered with the Pune RTO as of July 2026. If technical issues are resolved, MH 12 One A could be introduced a few months after MH-61, but its implementation is not guaranteed.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The decision shows how registration systems must balance local identity with machine readability. A format that works for administrative records can still create operational costs if cameras, toll systems, parking platforms or enforcement databases cannot read it reliably. The immediate issue for dealers and buyers is continuity, while the longer-term question is whether the ministry approves a technically workable expansion of the existing code. The next signal to watch is the ministry’s decision on MH 12 One A and whether it arrives before MH-61 becomes the established series.

## Coverage

- freepressjournal.in <https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/mh-12-series-ending-in-2-days-pune-rto-set-to-introduce-new-mh-61-registration-code>
  Straight account of registration shortage, technical proposals and official response

This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.

Tags: MH-61, Murlidhar Mohol, Pune, Pune RTO
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