The BH number plate system is essential in many ways! To make it easier for those in transferable occupations, like government officials, military members, and qualified private sector workers, the Indian government implemented the BH (Bharat) number plate system. This technique streamlines the procedure and lessens the administrative load by removing the requirement to re-register cars whenever the owner relocates to a different state. The official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has additional information.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
An innovative mechanism that makes interstate car transfers easier is the BH (Bharat) license plate. Before the implementation of this program, car owners who moved to a different state had to undergo a laborious re-registration procedure. This inconvenience is removed with the BH number plate, which permits smooth interstate vehicle travel without requiring re-registration.
People whose jobs necessitate frequent movements, such as government employees, military personnel, and private sector workers employed by companies with a pan-India presence, can particularly benefit from the Bharat series number plate. The system makes it easier for these people to maintain automobile ownership when relocating across states by lowering paperwork and administrative barriers.
BH Number Plate Format
All Indian states, including Meghalaya, use the same format for the BH number plate. It differs from state-specific registration plates because they combine letters and digits.
The BH series number plate format is as follows:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY: The last two digits of the year when the vehicle was registered.
BH: This stands for Bharat, the nationwide vehicle code under this scheme.
####: A unique four-digit number assigned to the vehicle.
XX: Two alphabetic characters are assigned randomly.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Some requirements must be fulfilled to apply for a BH number plate in Meghalaya. People whose occupations need frequent transfers are the focus of these criteria. The following groups are qualified:
Government Workers: The Bharat series number plate is available to employees of central and state government organisations. This comprises people who work for different government agencies in Meghalaya and neighbouring states. The BH number plate is a practical option for government workers who frequently receive transfer orders to other states.
Workers in the Private Sector: Workers employed by businesses with offices in four or more states or union territories are also qualified to apply for the BH license plate. This includes workers in industries where businesses frequently operate throughout India, such as manufacturing, finance, or information technology. The worker needs to show proof from their employer attesting to the fact that they are employed by a business that operates in several states.
Members of the Defence Personnel: The BH number plate is available to members of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces who move between states regularly. This clause is vital for personnel stationed there because of Meghalaya's significant military and paramilitary institutions.
Others: While the eligibility primarily targets vocations that necessitate movement, other individuals who frequently relocate for employment and fulfil specific government-established requirements may also qualify.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
Meghalayan vehicle owners have two options for applying for the BH number plate: online or in person at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Candidates can select from the following two options in this relatively simple process:
Online Application Process
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) manages the Parivahan Sewa Portal, where people of Meghalaya can apply online for a BH number plate. The following are the steps to apply online:
Go to the Vahan Portal: Visit the official Parivahan Sewa webpage.
Choose the Service: Select the "BH Series Registration" option after clicking "Vehicle Registration."
Give specifics like the vehicle's type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload the Necessary Files: Provide documentation such as proof of address, employment certification from the employer (for private sector workers), and identification verification (Aadhaar, PAN card).
Pay the Registration Charge: The registration charge will vary depending on the kind of vehicle and any applicable taxes.
The car will be registered under the Bharat series after the Meghalayan RTO reviews and approves the application.
Following approval, the BH number plate will be issued. You can pick it up from the closest RTO or have the car dealer attach it.
Offline Application Process
Owners of vehicles may also apply offline for a BH number plate by attending to their local Meghalaya RTO or through their car dealer. The offline procedure operates as follows:
Go to the RTO: Bring the necessary paperwork, including the vehicle invoice, identification, proof of address, and proof of eligibility (such as an employment certificate), to the Regional Transport Office.
Submission of the Form: Forms 20 (application for registration) and 60 (employment certificate for private-sector personnel) must be completed and submitted by the dealer or applicant.
Verification and Fees: The RTO will check the application and supporting documentation. The registration fee needs to be paid after approval.
Number Plate Issuance: The RTO will issue the BH series number plate, which can be picked up and attached to the car.
Required Documents for BH Number Plate
Some documents are required when applying for a BH number plate in Meghalaya to ensure eligibility and compliance with the rules. They include:
Proof of Identity: A government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
Proof of Address: Documents such as an Aadhaar card, utility bill, or bank statement can be used as proof of residence.
Employer Certification: A letter from your employer confirming your employment and stating that the company operates in at least four states or union territories. This applies mainly to private-sector employees.
Form 20:The official application for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A working certificate for private-sector employees certifying their eligibility for BH registration.
Vehicle Documents: The original invoice of the vehicle, proof of insurance, and the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
Road tax collection for BH series vehicles differs from that for ordinary state registrations. With the BH series, drivers can pay their road tax in instalments every two years instead of all at once. This makes it easier for car owners, especially those who travel frequently, to monitor their expenses.
Below is a summary of the 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%
Examine the impact of these road tax rates on your total auto expenses before applying for a BH license plate. Although it may necessitate regular budgeting, the biannual payment plan offers greater flexibility than a one-time payment.
BH Number Plate in Meghalaya: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
You can save time and effort by following the easy steps to pay your road tax online for a BH license plate. Here's how to successfully do it:
Go to the Parivahan website.
From the drop-down menu, choose your state.
Put your registration number here. Click Proceed when asked to verify your identity using Aadhaar.
Online services are an option if you want to pay your taxes online.
Enter your chassis number's final five digits here.
Under Tax Details, select the LumpSum Two-Year Tax Scheme. Details about your car will be displayed.
Finalise the payment. It will be posted once your new tax deadline has passed.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH number plate offers several advantages for Meghalayan drivers who travel frequently for employment. Some of the primary benefits include:
Easy Interstate Travel
The primary benefit of the BH number plate is the ability to transfer across states without requiring a new registration. This eliminates the hassle of changing vehicle registration to a new state every time you move and guarantees smooth car ownership across state lines.
Simplified Documents
Compared to traditional auto-registration methods, the BH number plate system streamlines the documentation process. Car owners can save time and effort by completing the application process online and using fewer documents.
Adjustable Road Tax Payment Plans
In contrast to the traditional one-time lump sum payment, the BH number plate plan allows car owners to pay road tax every two years. This installment-based payment plan simplifies financial administration, particularly for individuals who travel frequently.
No Issues with Re-Registration
Owners of cars with BH license plates don't have to bother about the laborious re-registration procedure when they move to a different state. This is especially useful for workers who are constantly on the go.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH series offers long-term stability to car owners who may move around a lot while owning a vehicle. No matter where they move inside the nation, it allows them to maintain the same tax structure and registration number.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Meghalaya, particularly those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
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 licence 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.
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.
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
In Meghalaya, BH registration renewal is an easy online process that ensures continued compliance with road tax laws. The BH series, which was put in place to enable moving an automobile across states easier, requires road tax payments to be made every two years at first and then annually after 14 years. Use these procedures to renew a BH license plate:
Utilise the Portal for Parivahan: One can begin the renewal procedure by going to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official website (Parivahan Sewa).
Choose "Services" once you've logged in. Select "Pay Your Tax," then select Meghalaya as your state under Online Services.
Enter the last five digits of your chassis and your car's registration number. The website will fill in the details about your vehicle, including the amount of road tax due.
Select a payment period of two years (or multiples of that, like four or six years). Complete the payment; the updated due date will show up on your tax details page after it has been validated.
After payment, the site modifies the BH registration status and notifies the user of the next due date.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits to Meghalaya's BH number plate system for drivers who travel frequently. It simplifies vehicle registration, removes the necessity for re-registration when moving between states, and eases the financial burden with flexible road tax payments. If you meet the eligibility conditions, having a BH number plate can make owning a car much more convenient in today's fast-paced, mobile world by saving you time, money, and effort over time. The BH number plate could save you time and hassle if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH series in Meghalaya
How often is BH number plate renewal required in Meghalaya?
BH number plate renewal is required every two years, as opposed to the one-time, 15-year road tax payment for standard registrations.
Can I complete the BH registration renewal outside of Meghalaya?
Renewal should be conducted in the state where the BH plate was initially registered. However, the plate's nationwide validity eliminates the need for re-registration when moving to another state.
What are the penalties for missing the BH registration renewal deadline?
Failing to renew on time can result in penalties, so completing BH registration renewal promptly is essential to avoid fines and ensure continuous registration validity.
Are there any tax benefits for eco-friendly vehicles during BH number plate renewal in Meghalaya?
Yes, electric vehicles receive a tax discount for BH number plate renewal, while diesel vehicles may incur additional charges, which encourages the use of eco-friendly vehicles.
Can I transfer ownership of a vehicle under BH registration renewal?
Yes, ownership transfer is possible, but the new owner must meet eligibility requirements for the BH series. Additional paperwork may be necessary for the transfer.
Is a physical inspection required for BH number plate renewal in Meghalaya?
Generally, a physical inspection is not required if you renew online. However, you should confirm with the local RTO that you comply with specific regulations in Meghalaya.
