End of an Era: Pune to Bid Goodbye to Iconic ‘MH-12’ Number Plates

Pune, 30th July 2026: One of Pune’s most recognisable identities on the road—’MH-12’—is nearing the end of its journey. With the existing vehicle registration series almost exhausted, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is preparing to introduce a new registration format for vehicles registered in the city over the coming months.

Across Maharashtra, an ‘MH-12’ number plate has long been synonymous with Pune. However, the iconic series is now nearing exhaustion due to the rapid rise in vehicle registrations.

At present, the RTO is issuing the ‘ZY’ series for two-wheelers and ‘ZW’ for four-wheelers. As per the existing system, the ‘ZZ’ series will be the last two-letter combination. Officials estimate that the two-wheeler series could be exhausted within days, while the four-wheeler series is likely to end within the next two months.

To address the issue, the Pune RTO has proposed two alternatives to the state transport department. The first is a three-letter format such as MH-12-AAA-1234. However, officials believe the longer registration number could create difficulties for CCTV cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.

The second proposal is an alphanumeric registration format combining letters and numbers. However, adopting this system would require significant modifications to the VAHAN vehicle registration platform and other digital infrastructure. A final decision on the new format is yet to be taken by the state transport department.

For many Pune residents, the transition is more than just a technical change. The ‘MH-12’ registration has become a symbol of the city’s identity, appearing on first motorcycles, family cars and commercial vehicles owned by generations of Punekars. Many vehicle owners have even spent substantial amounts to secure preferred registration numbers under the series.

While the registration format is set to change, ‘MH-12’ is expected to remain an enduring symbol of Pune’s identity long after the iconic series comes to an end.