To facilitate interstate vehicle transfers and lessen the complexity of the BH registrationprocedure that car owners had to endure when moving to a new state, the Indian government introduced the BH (Bharat) Number Plate system. This system is intended to make cross-border vehicle mobility easy and convenient, which is especially helpful for those in transferrable occupations, including government workers, military personnel, and employees of private sector businesses with operations in several states. This BH number plate scheme has also been adopted by Puducherry, which has a thriving expat population and a sizable number of frequently relocating government and business sector employees.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system aims to make interstate car transfers easier. In the past, people had to go through the time-consuming and frequently expensive process of re-registering their cars if they relocated to a different state. This is no longer essential, thanks to the BH series, which permits cars to retain their registration regardless of the owner's location within India.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced it in 2021.
It was created to cut down on paperwork and delays in interstate auto transfers.
Initially, it was accessible to government workers and businesses with offices in four or more states.
BH Number Plate Format
The format for BH number plates is as follows:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY: Last two digits of the registration year.
BH: Bharat series code.
####: A four-digit numeric code.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a BH series number platein Puducherry, car owners must fulfil specific requirements:
Government Workers: The BH series is available to central and state employees. Employees in this group come from various government agencies, making it simple to move without dealing with the inconvenience of re-registering their cars.
Defence Services: Applicants for the BH number plate must be Indian Armed Forces personnel who move between states periodically.
Workers in the Private Sector: Private firms may employ applicants for the BH series with offices in at least four states or Union Territories. This eligibility supports professionals with frequent interstate work-related transfers.
Employer Documentation: To relocate, applicants must provide a letter from their company attesting to their job position. Making sure that only qualified people receive the benefits of the BH series, this letter is an essential component of the application procedure.
Ownership of the Vehicle: The vehicle must be registered in the applicant's name and adhere to all local laws, including having a current insurance policy and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification.
Regulation Compliance: The car must follow Puducherry's insurance and environmental control regulations.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can get a BH series number plate through the MoRTH's Vahan Portal or by contacting a dealer. Here's how:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
Navigate to the MoRTH Vahan Portal or your state's transportation agencies' website.
To transfer ownership or register a new vehicle, look for the application.
A vehicle's type, engine number, and chassis number are necessary details to enter.
Put in the required paperwork, such as proof of address, identification, and motor insurance.
Pay the registration fee.
After processing your application, you may receive a notification via email or SMS about your BH series number plate.
To have your license plate attached to your vehicle, visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO)
Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
The dealer will fill out Form 20 for you on the Vahan Portal.
Private sector employees with offices in more than four states must submit Form 60, along with their employment ID and a work certificate.
State representatives will verify your credentials.
From the application menu, choose "BH Series."
For example, a copy of your official ID card or Working Certificate (Form 60) should be sent in.
The RTO will approve the registration of the Bharat series.
Any necessary fees or motor vehicle tax must be paid online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
When applying for a BH number plate, the following documents must be provided:
Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility.
Form 20: Application for vehicle registration.
Form 60: Working certificate for private-sector employees.
Identity Proof: Aadhaar, passport, or other government-issued documents.
Vehicle Documents: Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for tax calculation.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
For private automobiles registered under the Bharat series, road tax is paid every two years or in multiples of two, such as every four, six, or eight years. The tax has a 14-year validity period and is simply payable online. After that, you will be required to pay once a year. Electric vehicles are subject to lower tax rates based on the car's invoice price.
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 car expenses before applying for a BH license plate. Compared to a one-time payment, the biannual payment plan gives greater flexibility but may necessitate regular budgeting.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Visit 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.
You can choose Online Services to pay your taxes online.
Put the last five digits of your chassis number here.
Choose the tax mechanism LumpSum Two Year under Tax Details. Information about your vehicle will be shown.
Make the final payment. When your new tax deadline is finished, it will be posted.
Advantages of the BH Number
Puducherry car owners, especially those who move frequently for employment, might benefit significantly from the BH (Bharat) number plate system. Here are a few noteworthy advantages:
Interstate Transportation
The BH number plate's ability to facilitate smooth vehicle movement across states is one of its main advantages. When relocating, owners can avoid the time-consuming re-registration process, which minimises paperwork and is especially beneficial for professionals with transferable positions.
Documentation Simplicity
The BH registration system makes it easier for car owners to complete the paperwork. For people who move around a lot, the process is made easier with fewer prerequisites and a more straightforward application process, guaranteeing they can manage their cars effectively and without needless delays.
Road Tax Flexibility
For car owners, the opportunity to pay road tax in instalments is provided by BH number plates, making financial planning easier. This strategy makes car ownership more manageable by preventing people from having to pay a large sum all at once, which helps them better schedule their spending.
Less Stress During Re-Registration
Owners of vehicles in the BH series have the convenience of state-specific re-registration. This benefit guarantees they won't have to worry about the legalities of automobile registration each time they move, allowing them to concentrate on their personal or professional obligations.
Stability of Long-Term Registration
For those who may move states frequently, the BH number plate system offers consistency in automobile registration. Because of this consistency, car owners can keep their registration status for an extended period, which helps them feel permanent even if they move frequently.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Puducherry, 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 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.
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
The simple online procedure to get a BH number plate renewaldone in Puducherry guarantees ongoing adherence to road tax regulations. Car owners must pay road tax every two years at first and then annually after 14 years, under the BH series, which was implemented to make moving a car across states easier. To do a BH registration renewal, follow these steps:
Use the Parivahan Portal: The renewal process can begin by visiting the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official website (Parivahan Sewa).
Select Services after logging in: After selecting "Pay Your Tax" under "Online Services," pick the state of Puducherry.
Enter the details: Enter your vehicle's registration number and the last five digits of your chassis. The site will fill in your vehicle's information, including the amount of road tax owed.
Payment: To make a payment, choose a two-year term (or multiples of that, such as four or six years). Once payment has been confirmed, the amended due date will appear on your tax details page.
Verification and Documentation: The portal displays the next payment due date following payment and updates the BH number plate renewal status.
Conclusion
In Puducherry, the BH number plate system is revolutionary for car owners, especially those who can transfer employment. Road tax payments are made more flexible, the registration process is made more straightforward, and regular re-registrations are no longer necessary. Even though the system is presently only accessible to government workers, military personnel, and private sector workers operating across several states, its use will probably grow.
The BH series is an excellent choice for qualified Puducherry car owners who want to guarantee convenience and mobility throughout India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH series in Puducherry
Can a retired government employee apply for a BH number plate in Puducherry?
No, the BH series is only available to active employees who meet the eligibility criteria.
Is there a penalty for late road tax payments under the BH series in Puducherry?
Yes, a penalty is imposed for late payments, as per Puducherry's motor vehicle tax regulations.
Can I transfer a BH number plate vehicle to a non-eligible individual?
The new owner must re-register the vehicle under the state-specific system.
What happens if I miss the deadline for renewing your BH registration renewal?
It is crucial to renew your BH registration renewalon time to prevent penalties and guarantee its continuing validity.
How often is BH number plate renewal required in Puducherry?
BH number plate renewal requires road tax payments every two years, unlike traditional registrations involving a one-time tax payment for 15 years.
Are there any tax incentives for eco-friendly vehicles under BH number plate renewal in Puducherry?
Yes, electric vehicles receive a discount on the renewal tax, while diesel vehicles may incur additional charges. This encourages the use of eco-friendly options.
