Pune: RTO Issues Clarification; EV Owners Urged to Ignore Erroneous Tax Notices

PUNE – The Regional Transport Office (RTO) Pune has issued an urgent clarification for Electric Vehicle (EV) owners regarding recent automated text messages demanding motor vehicle tax payments. Officials have confirmed these notices were sent in error and should be disregarded by all EV owners.

The directive, issued on March 25, 2026, by the Deputy Regional Transport Officer, aims to clear confusion caused by the RTO’s automated SMS system, which recently flagged several zero-emission vehicles for outstanding taxes.

Tax Exemption Extended Until 2030

Under the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, the state government has provided a significant push for green mobility by waving motor vehicle taxes for a prolonged period. The RTO highlighted the following timeline of exemptions:

• 2019 Policy: Initial 50% tax reduction for EVs.
• 2021 Notification: Full tax exemption granted until March 31, 2025.
• 2025 Maharashtra EV Policy: Current regulations provide a 100% waiver on motor vehicle tax for all EVs registered in the state until March 31, 2030.

Instructions for Vehicle Owners

The RTO has categorized the notices into two groups to ensure administrative clarity:

1. For EV Owners: If you have received an SMS regarding pending tax, the RTO officially declares these notices null and void. No payment or visit to the Sangamwadi office is required.
2. For Non-EV Owners: Owners of petrol, diesel, or CNG vehicles who have received tax notices must treat them as valid and clear any outstanding dues immediately to avoid penalties.

“The messages sent to electric vehicle owners were a result of a technical oversight,” the RTO statement clarified. “As per the Government Decision dated May 23, 2025, all electric vehicles registered during the policy period are entirely exempt from motor vehicle tax.”

The RTO has requested the District Information Officer to ensure wide publicity of this clarification across Pune to prevent panic or unnecessary payments by citizens.

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