The BH (Bharat) number plate is a new vehicle registration system introduced by the Indian government in 2021 to streamline interstate vehicle transfers and simplify ownership for individuals with transferable jobs. This initiative helps government employees, defence personnel, and private sector workers move their vehicles between states without re-registration. For residents of Chhattisgarh, the BH number plate brings numerous advantages, reducing bureaucratic processes and enhancing convenience for frequent relocators. For more information, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system was launched to eliminate the hassle of re-registering vehicles moving from one state to another. Before its introduction, vehicle owners moving to a new state had to undergo a lengthy, expensive re-registration process, which included paying road taxes again. The BH series aims to simplify this by allowing vehicle owners to retain the same registration number, no matter which state they move to.
Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Designed to reduce paperwork and delays when transferring vehicles between states.
Initially available to government employees and employees of companies with offices in four or more states.
BH Number Plate Format
The format for BH number plates is standardised across all states, including Chhattisgarh. It follows this pattern:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY: The last two digits of the registration year.
BH: Bharat series code.
####: A unique four-digit numeric code.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH series number plate in Chhattisgarh, you must evaluate your eligibility and ensure the system aligns with your needs and lifestyle. The following individuals are eligible for the BH number plate:
Government Employees: Government employees, including those working for central or state governments, are eligible for the BH number plate. Their transferable nature of employment makes them ideal candidates for the Bharat series, allowing them to move their vehicles across states without worrying about re-registration.
Defence Services Members: Members of the defence forces who frequently relocate as part of their duties are also eligible for the Bharat series number plate. This provision simplifies vehicle registration for them, removing the need to re-register every time they move to a new state.
Private-Sector Employment: Employees of private-sector companies with offices in at least four states or Union Territories can also apply for a BH series number plate. This eligibility supports professionals who need to travel frequently for work and relocate often.
Employer Documentation: To apply for the BH number plate, individuals need to provide documentation from their employer verifying their employment status. This letter confirms their eligibility for the Bharat series and ensures a smooth registration process.
Vehicle Registration: The registered vehicle must be in the applicant's name and meet all regulatory requirements. Proper documentation, including proof of ownership, is crucial for the application process.
Compliance with Regulations: Vehicles registered under the BH series must comply with all local laws, including valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and other relevant documents. This compliance ensures roadworthiness and smooth BH registration.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
Two primary ways to apply for a BH series number plate in Chhattisgarh are through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Vahan Portal or by contacting a vehicle dealer.
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or your state's transportation department.
Look for the application to transfer ownership or register a new vehicle.
Enter your vehicle's details, such as the type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload all necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, and auto insurance.
Pay the registration fees.
After your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation via email or SMS regarding yourBH series number plate.
Once approved, visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have the BH number plate affixed to your vehicle.
Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
The dealer completes Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
Private-sector employees must submit Form 60, their employment ID and work certificate.
The RTO officials will verify your eligibility and documents.
Choose the "BH Series" option from the application menu.
Submit all necessary documents, including proof of employment (Form 60).
The RTO will authorise the registration of the Bharat series.
Make the online payment for the applicable fees and motor vehicle tax.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
When applying for a BH number plate in Chhattisgarh, you will need the following documents:
Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility for the BH number plate.
Form 20: The official application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A certificate verifying your employment status (for private sector employees).
Identity and Address Proof: Government-issued documents like an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license to verify your identity and address.
Vehicle Documents: The original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, PUC certificate, and vehicle invoice for calculating road tax.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
Under the Bharat series number plate system, road tax is payable every two years or in multiples of two, such as four, six, or eight years. The tax is based on the vehicle's invoice price and is payable online. After 14 years, road tax must be paid annually.
Here's a breakdown of the applicable road tax rates:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakhs
8%
10%
₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakhs
12%
14%
Before applying for a BH number plate, assessing how the road tax rates will impact your total vehicle expenses is important. Paying every two years offers more flexibility than a one-time payment, but it may require careful budgeting to manage the recurring costs effectively.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying road tax for a BH number plate in Chhattisgarh is straightforward and can be done online through the Parivahan Portal. Here are the steps:
Go to the website of Parivahan.
From the drop-down menu, choose your state.
Put your registration number here. Click Proceed when asked to verify your identity using Aadhaar.
Go to the "Online Services" section to pay your taxes online.
Enter the last five digits of your chassis number.
Under "Tax Details," choose the "LumpSum Two Year" option as your payment mode. Your vehicle details will then appear.
Complete the payment process. Once done, the new tax deadline will be updated.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH (Bharat) number plate system offers several significant advantages for vehicle owners in Chhattisgarh, especially those who frequently relocate due to their jobs. Here are some key benefits:
Seamless Interstate Movement
One of the main advantages of the BH number plate is the ease of interstate vehicle movement. When moving to a new state, vehicle owners no longer need to undergo the cumbersome re-registration process. This saves time and reduces paperwork, making it especially beneficial for professionals with transferable jobs.
Simplified Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process, making it more convenient for vehicle owners. With fewer requirements and a straightforward application procedure, those who often relocate can manage their vehicles efficiently without unnecessary delays or complications.
Flexible Road Tax Payment
Bharat series number plates allow vehicle owners to pay road tax in instalments rather than a lump sum. This flexibility helps with financial planning, allowing individuals to budget their expenses better and making vehicle ownership more affordable and manageable.
No Need for Re-registration
The hassle of state-specific re-registration is significantly reduced for Chhattisgarh residents with a BH series number plate. This convenience lets owners focus on their work or personal life without the burden of re-registering their vehicle every time they relocate.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH number plate system ensures long-term vehicle registration stability, even for frequently changing states. This stability allows vehicle owners to maintain their registration status over time, providing peace of mind and continuity amidst frequent relocations.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Chattisgarh, particularly those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
Randomly Generated Numbers
The second half of the BH series number plate displays a randomly generated four-digit number. This implies that automobile owners cannot select a unique number for their cars. As a result, some car owners can discover that their numbers are identical or comparable.
Limitations on Registration
Only government agents, bank workers, military personnel, and employees of businesses operating in numerous states or union territories are permitted to use the BH license plate. Therefore, only specific car owners profit from the BH series.
Service Cars are Not Included
Buses, taxis, and trucks cannot utilise the BH number plate system because it is only available for passenger cars. The absence of several vehicle categories, particularly those utilised for public transportation or the transfer of goods, reduces the convenience that the BH number plates offer.
Frequent Payments of Road Taxes
Every two years, road tax payments for the BH series are due. This could be an extra burden for some people juggling moving obligations. Managing these payments on top of other moving-related obligations could be more challenging and unpleasant.
BH Number Plate: Renewal Process
Renewing BH registration in Chhattisgarh follows a simple online procedure that helps maintain compliance with road tax regulations. The BH series, designed to ease vehicle movement across states, mandates that vehicle owners pay road tax every two years initially and then annually after 14 years. Here's a guide for BH number plate renewal:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Access the portal to begin the renewal process.
Login and Select Services: Choose "Pay Your Tax" under Online Services and select Chhattisgarh as your state.
Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the last five digits of your chassis number and registration number.
Select Payment Option: Choose the payment for a two-year term (or multiples) and finalise the payment.
Confirmation: The updated tax due date will be reflected on your tax details page once payment is complete.
Conclusion
The BH number plate is a game-changer for those who frequently relocate due to their profession. It streamlines vehicle registration, simplifies road tax payments, and eliminates the need for re-registration in every state. Primarily aimed at government and private sector employees, the BH series may benefit a broader range of individuals in India. If you qualify, applying for a BH number plate in Chhattisgarh can save you time, effort, and unnecessary bureaucracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH Number Plate in Chhattisgarh
Can I convert my existing state registration to a BH series in Chhattisgarh?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your existing state registration to a BH series by visiting the nearest RTO and following the prescribed application procedure.
How long is the BH number plate valid?
The BH series number plate is valid if the road tax is paid every two years for the first 14 years. After 14 years, the tax is paid annually.
Are electric vehicles eligible for the BH number plate in Chhattisgarh?
Electric vehicles can be registered under the BH series in Chhattisgarh and benefit from lower road tax rates than petrol and diesel vehicles.
Are commercial vehicles eligible for BH registration renewal?
BH number plates are exclusively for private vehicles and do not apply to commercial or transport vehicles, such as buses or trucks.
Are there any additional charges for diesel or electric vehicles during the BH registration renewal?
Yes, diesel vehicles incur an additional 2% charge during the BH registration renewal, while electric vehicles enjoy a 2% discount on road tax.
Can I transfer my BH number plate to a new vehicle?
You can transfer your BH number plate to a new vehicle, but you must follow the proper application and documentation procedures.
