Fatal Pune Accident Tied to Porsche's Pending Rs 1,758 Registration Fee

In a recent incident in Pune city, a luxury Porsche car was involved in a tragic accident resulting in the death of two IT professionals. The vehicle, identified as a Porsche Taycan, an electric luxury sports sedan, was reportedly driven by a 17-year-old, the son of a prominent builder. According to Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, the permanent registration of the Porsche was pending since March due to an outstanding fee of Rs 1,758.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday in the Kalyani Nagar area. It is alleged that the teenager driving the car was under the influence of alcohol at the time. The car was imported to India in March by a Bengaluru dealer and then sent to Maharashtra with a temporary registration. However, when presented at the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO), it was discovered that a registration fee had not been paid, leading to an incomplete registration process.

Officials highlighted that electric vehicles registered in Maharashtra are exempt from road tax. Thus, for the Porsche Taycan, only a nominal registration fee comprising Rs 1,500 for hypothecation fees, Rs 200 for smart card RC fees, and Rs 58 for postal charges was applicable. Despite the vehicle's ex-showroom price starting from Rs 96 lakh and potentially exceeding Rs 1.86 crore, the specific price for the Taycan model remains undisclosed but is estimated to be in crores.

The vehicle had a valid temporary registration certificate from Karnataka, valid for six months from March to September 2024. The Bengaluru dealer completed the temporary registration before handing over the car, making it the owner's responsibility to ensure its registration at the RTO for legal road use.

In response to this incident, Bhimanwar stated that stringent actions are being taken. The teenager involved will be prohibited from obtaining a driving licence until he turns 25 years old. Moreover, the Porsche will not be eligible for registration at any RTO office for 12 months following the cancellation of its existing temporary registration under provisions in the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.

Further actions include registering a police complaint for violations of the MV Act and invoking procedures for cancelling the vehicle's temporary registration. The car will also be impounded for 12 months due to gross negligence, as it was driven at speeds over 160 kmph while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed these violations in a press conference, stating that if any tax-related violations are found, separate FIRs will be registered. This incident has brought to light significant concerns regarding road safety and legal compliance among vehicle owners.