Over 1 Lakh Unregistered Vehicles In Pune Amidst Pollution Concerns

Pune, 3rd April 2024: In a bid to curb pollution caused by old vehicles, the Central Government has hiked the re-registration fees, aiming to reduce the number of aged vehicles on the roads. The decision comes amidst concerns that vehicles older than 15 years, contributing significantly to pollution, continue to operate without re-registration in Pune, with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) taking a passive stance.

Under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, re-registration is mandatory for every vehicle after 15 years, followed by a renewal every 5 years. Pune’s regional transport office data reveals a staggering count of 1,08,000 unregistered vehicles, encompassing both two-wheelers and cars. Owners have reportedly neglected the re-registration or scrapping process for these vehicles.

Effective from 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways of India has revised the re-registration fees for old vehicles. For instance, the fee for two-wheelers has surged from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000, while for cars, it has skyrocketed from Rs 600 to Rs 5,000. Additionally, vehicle inspection fees and green taxes are levied during re-registration, causing financial strain on citizens. Consequently, many find it financially burdensome to comply with re-registration requirements. Furthermore, delayed re-registration incurs penalties of Rs 300 per month for two-wheelers and Rs 500 per month for cars, dissuading vehicle owners from timely action.

Despite the RTO’s efforts to remind owners through messages about re-registration, a lacklustre response persists, with many old vehicles remaining unregistered. Driving unregistered vehicles on roads is a punishable offence, attracting fines of up to Rs 5,000. Regional Transport Officer Sanjeev Bhor emphasizes the importance of timely re-registration to evade punitive measures and uphold road safety standards.