Maharashtra Govt Ups Fee for VIP Vehicle Numbers to Rs 6 Lakh

The Maharashtra government has increased fees for VIP vehicle numbers, with the cost for the highly sought-after 0001 number for four-wheelers in high-demand areas like Mumbai and Pune now set at Rs 6 lakh. This new fee structure means that an out-of-series VIP number could cost up to Rs 18 lakh in major cities, equivalent to the price of mid-segment cars.

Fee Hike Details

According to a transport department notification dated August 30, the fee for the coveted 0001 number will rise to Rs 5 lakh for four-wheelers, up from Rs 3 lakh. For two and three-wheelers, the fee will double to Rs 1 lakh from the existing Rs 50,000. In high-demand areas such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nashik, the VIP fee for 0001 will be Rs 6 lakh, up from Rs 4 lakh.

The revised fees also affect other popular numbers. For instance, numbers like 0009, 0099, and 9999 will see a fee increase to Rs 2.5 lakh for four-wheelers and more-wheeled vehicles, up from Rs 1.5 lakh. For two- and three-wheelers, the fee will rise to Rs 50,000 from Rs 20,000.

Additional Fee Adjustments

For another set of 189 registration numbers such as 0011, 0022, and 0088, the revised fees are Rs 25,000 for four-wheelers and Rs 6,000 for two-wheelers and more than two-wheel vehicles. Additionally, fees for other sought-after numbers have also been increased. For example, the new fee is Rs 1 lakh for four-wheelers instead of the existing Rs 70,000 and Rs 25,000 for two-wheelers from Rs 15,000.

The state government has also allowed the transfer of VIP numbers to immediate family members like spouses and children. This is a change from previous restrictions against such transfers. The fee revision follows a draft notification issued on September 16, 2022.

Revenue Generation

The fee increase is expected to generate additional revenue for the state transport department. In the financial year of 2017-18 alone, the department reported earnings of Rs 139.20 crore from registration number issuances in 1,83,794 cases.

Moreover, Maharashtra has identified a total of 240 VIP numbers in each registration series. Notable numbers like 0786 will also see a fee increase to Rs 2.5 lakh for four-wheelers and more-wheeled vehicles and Rs 50,000 for two- and three-wheelers.

Extended Period for Reserved Numbers

In a move to benefit vehicle owners, the government has extended the period for producing a vehicle with a reserved number from 30 days to six months. However, there will be no reservation of VIP numbers for government vehicles. Exemptions from payment of fees can be granted through special orders.

Previously, entities like Reliance Industries paid Rs 12 lakh for out-of-series VIP numbers in recent years. Now, this cost has risen significantly with the new fee structure.

Many high net-worth individuals including top businessmen and celebrities prefer VIP numbers for their expensive cars. The revised three-time basic fees will be Rs 15 lakh for four-wheelers if the number is unavailable in the current series and needs to be given from another series.

Pooja Khedkar's provisional IAS candidature was cancelled by UPSC on charges of fraud. She had allegedly used a red and blue beacon along with a VIP number plate on a private car in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act.

This marks the first update since April 20, 2013. The new fees mean that an out-of-series VIP number will cost up to Rs 18 lakh in major cities including Mumbai and Pune.

The changes are expected to impact many high net-worth individuals who prefer these exclusive numbers for their luxury vehicles.