Pune: Thousands of Unregistered Vehicles Plague Pune’s Streets as Re-registration Lags

Pune: In a bid to tackle pollution and reduce the number of old vehicles on the roads, the central government has hiked the re-registration fees, effective from 2022. This move comes in light of over 15-year-old vehicles, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation, continuing to operate illegally in Pune without re-registration.

According to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, re-registration is mandatory for vehicles every 15 years, followed by renewal every 5 years thereafter. However, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has observed a passive approach towards addressing this issue, with over one lakh eight thousand vehicles remaining unregistered, including two-wheelers and cars.

“The Union Transport Ministry has raised the re-registration fees for old vehicles, acknowledging the need to mitigate pollution caused by aging vehicles,” stated a representative from the RTO. Under the revised fee structure, the re-registration fee for two-wheelers has surged from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000, while for cars, it has increased from Rs 600 to Rs 5,000. Additionally, vehicle inspection fees and green taxes are applicable at the time of re-registration.

Citizens have expressed concerns over the affordability of re-registering old vehicles due to the escalated fees. Consequently, many vehicle owners have refrained from initiating the re-registration process, fearing penalties of Rs 300 per month for two-wheelers and Rs 500 per month for cars in case of delays.

In response to the escalating issue, the RTO has initiated communication with owners of old vehicles through messages, urging them to comply with re-registration requirements. However, despite these efforts, a significant number of vehicles remain unregistered, exacerbating environmental concerns and risking penalties for drivers.

“It is imperative for vehicle owners to adhere to re-registration norms to avoid punitive actions and contribute to environmental preservation,” emphasised Sanjeev Bhor, in-charge of Regional Transport Officer. He further said that driving vehicles without valid registration poses legal consequences, including fines of up to five thousand rupees, underscoring the importance of timely compliance.