Pune's long-standing MH-12 vehicle registration series is nearing exhaustion as the available registration numbers under the code are almost fully allocated. In response, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is preparing to introduce a new registration format for newly registered vehicles.
At present, the Pune RTO is issuing the ZY series for two-wheelers and the ZW series for four-wheelers under the MH-12 registration code.
According to RTO officials, the existing two-letter suffix system will come to an end once the ZZ series is exhausted. The registration series for two-wheelers is expected to run out within the next few days, while the four-wheeler series is likely to last for another two months.
To address the shortage of registration numbers, the Pune RTO has proposed two alternatives.
Three-letter format: Registration numbers in the format MH-12-AAA-1234, though officials say longer numbers could pose challenges for CCTV and ANPR systems.
Alphanumeric format: A new combination of letters and numbers in a revised sequence, currently awaiting approval, though officials warn it could create confusion in identifying registration numbers.
Officials, however, have cautioned that the mixed format could create confusion, as numbers placed alongside letters may be mistaken as part of the main registration sequence.
Implementing either of the proposed registration formats would require significant modifications to the government's VAHAN vehicle registration database, as well as the software used to generate vehicle number plates.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale said the Maharashtra Transport Department is currently evaluating both proposals and is expected to take a final decision on the new registration format soon. The revised registration series will be introduced once the proposal receives approval.
