The BH (Bharat), number plate system, introduced by the Indian government, is designed to benefit individuals with transferable jobs, including government employees, defence personnel, and select private sector workers. It enables hassle-free vehicle movement across states without needing re-registration when relocating. This initiative aims to streamline the process, reduce bureaucratic challenges, and offer greater convenience for frequent movers. For further details, you can visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ official website.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system simplifies interstate vehicle transfers. Previously, individuals moving to a different state had to undergo the time-consuming and often costly process of re-registering their vehicles. With the Bharat series, this step is eliminated, allowing vehicles to retain their BH registration regardless of the owner’s location within India.
Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
It aims to reduce paperwork and delays in vehicle transfers across states.
Eliminates the need for vehicle re-registration when relocating to a different state.
Initially available to government employees and employees of companies with offices in four or more states.
Applicable to individuals residing in Punjab and other states across India.
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
Before applying for a BH number plate, assessing your eligibility and personal circumstances is essential to ensure it suits your needs and lifestyle.
Government Employee: To be eligible, you must be a central or state government employee. This status simplifies BH registration and ensures you meet the BH series requirements for frequent relocations.
Defence Services Member: Members of the defence forces are eligible due to their frequent relocations. The BH number plate allows for seamless interstate vehicle movement without re-registration.
Private-Sector Employment: If you work for a private company operating in at least four states or Union Territories, you qualify for the BH number plate. This supports professionals who travel frequently for work.
Employer Documentation: You must provide official documentation from your employer verifying your employment status. This confirmation is essential for completing the BH series number plate registration process.
Vehicle Registration: Ensure that the vehicle you intend to register is in your name and complies with all legal requirements. This will ensure a smooth BH registration process.
Compliance with Regulations: Your vehicle must comply with all local laws, including valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and other required documents. Adhering to these regulations is essential to avoid BH registration complications and ensure roadworthiness.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can apply for a BH number plate through the MoRTH’s Vahan Portal or by contacting a dealer. Here’s how:
Online Process (Via Parivahan Portal):
Visit your state’s transportation department’s website or the MoRTH Parivahan Portal.
Find the section for vehicle registration or ownership transfer.
Enter the necessary details, such as vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload the required documents, including proof of identity, address, and vehicle insurance.
Pay the BH registration fees online.
After processing, you will receive an email or SMS notification with details about your Bharat series number plate.
Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have the BH number plate affixed to your vehicle.
Offline Process (Through a Dealer):
The dealer will complete Form 20 on the Vahan Portal for you.
Private-sector employees working in companies with offices in more than four states must provide Form 60 and their employment ID and work certificate.
The state authorities will verify your eligibility.
Choose the “BH Series” option in the application form.
Submit the required documents, such as your official ID or Working Certificate (Form 60).
The RTO will approve your Bharat series registration.
Pay any applicable fees or motor vehicle tax online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
Crucial Documents for BH Number Plate Registration in Punjab:
Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer verifying your eligibility for the BH number plate.
Form 20: The official application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A working certificate that confirms your employment status.
Identity and Address Proof: Valid government-issued documents, such as your Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license, verify your identity and address.
Vehicle Documents: Include the original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and the vehicle invoice for road tax calculation.
BH Number Plate: Applicable Road Taxes
For vehicles registered under the BH series in Punjab, road tax is paid every two years or in multiples of two (such as every four, six, or eight years). The tax is easily payable online and remains valid for up to 14 years, after which it must be paid annually. The tax amount is calculated based on the vehicle’s invoice price, with reduced rates applicable for electric cars.
Here’s a breakdown of the tax rates in Punjab:
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 series number plate in Punjab, consider how these road tax rates impact your overall vehicle costs. The biannual payment structure offers flexibility but may require consistent budgeting for regular payments.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
Paying road tax online for a BH series number plate in Punjab is quick and efficient. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transaction:
Visit the Parivahan website.
Select your state from the drop-down menu.
Enter your vehicle’s registration number and proceed.
Verify your identity using Aadhaar when prompted.
Select “Online Services” for tax payments.
Enter the last five digits of your chassis number.
Under “Tax Details”, choose the option for “LumpSum Two Year” payment. Your vehicle details will be displayed.
Complete the payment, and the new tax deadline will be updated.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH (Bharat) number plate system offers several benefits to vehicle owners in Punjab, especially those who frequently relocate for work. Some key advantages include:
Seamless Interstate Movement
One of the main benefits of the BH number plate is its ability to facilitate interstate vehicle movement without the need for re-registration. This saves time and paperwork, particularly beneficial for professionals with transferable jobs.
Simplified Documentation
The BH series simplifies the documentation process. With fewer requirements and a more straightforward application process, vehicle owners who frequently relocate can handle their vehicle registration without unnecessary delays.
Flexible Road Tax Payments
BH number plates allow vehicle owners to pay road tax in instalments every two years. This flexibility eases financial planning, making vehicle ownership more manageable by avoiding a large one-time payment.
Reduced Re-registration Hassle
With a BH number plate, vehicle owners do not need to re-register their vehicle every time they relocate to a new state. This reduces legal and administrative burdens, allowing owners to focus on work and personal commitments.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH series offers long-term stability in vehicle registration, especially for those who move frequently. Owners can maintain their registration across states, ensuring consistent legal compliance and reducing the need for repetitive procedures.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges for Punjab car owners, especially those who frequently relocate for work. Here are some notable drawbacks:
There are Restrictions on Eligibility
Government agents, bank employees, military personnel, and workers from commercial companies with offices in multiple states or union territories are the only individuals authorised to use the BH number plate. Therefore, only specific car owners benefit from the BH series.
Excluding Transport Vehicles
The BH number plate system is only available for passenger cars; therefore, buses, taxis, and lorries cannot use it. The BH number plates' convenience is diminished by the exclusion of certain vehicle categories, especially those used for goods or public transportation.
Randomly Generated Numeric Values
The mechanism randomly generates the four-digit number, the third component of the BH series number plate. This suggests that car owners cannot choose a special vehicle number. Because of this, some car owners may find that their numbers are similar or the same, making them less distinctive and more challenging to identify their cars.
Frequent Road Tax Payments
Road tax payments for the BH series are payable every two years. When they are already dealing with the primary challenges of relocating to another state, some people could find this an additional obstacle. Managing these payments could be more difficult and unpleasant than other moving-related tasks.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
BH registration renewal in Punjab involves an online process that simplifies road tax payments every two years, which helps maintain compliance for vehicles frequently used across states. The renewal process can be completed through the Parivahan portal, accessible anywhere in India. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the BH number plate renewal process:
Access the Parivahan Website: Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal, which the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways manages.
Log in and Select Punjab: Choose Punjab as your state from the drop-down menu to ensure the correct regional settings are applied.
Enter Vehicle Details: Provide your registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number. You may be asked for Aadhaar-based verification.
Select the Tax Payment Option: Under “Online Services”, click “Pay Your Tax”. Choose the two-year renewal option or longer increments (up to eight years) if preferred.
Complete the Payment: Pay the calculated road tax after verifying the vehicle details. This amount varies depending on the vehicle’s price and fuel type, with diesel vehicles incurring an additional 2% charge while electric vehicles benefit from a 2% discount.
Record and Confirmation: Once the payment is processed, the updated tax due date will appear on the portal. Ensure you save the confirmation as a record.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system is an excellent option for individuals who relocate frequently for work. It simplifies vehicle registration, offers flexible road tax payment options, and eliminates the need for re-registration across states. While the system caters primarily to government and private-sector employees, its potential expansion could benefit a broader group of vehicle owners in India. If you qualify, the BH number plate can save time and effort, making vehicle management more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH series in Punjab
Can a non-eligible person purchase a BH plate vehicle in Punjab?
The buyer must convert the BH plate to a state-specific registration.
What happens if my road tax expires for my BH plate in Punjab?
You need to renew your road tax every two years. If not renewed, you may face fines and legal complications.
What are the penalties for missing road tax payments under the BH system in Punjab?
Penalties vary but typically involve fines and potential legal action if payments are delayed beyond the due date.
What documents are required for BH registration renewal in Punjab?
BH number plate renewal generally requires the vehicle registration number and, if applicable, updated employment documentation, mainly if there are changes in your eligibility status. Aadhaar verification is also part of the online renewal process.
Can I renew the BH registration for commercial vehicles?
No, BH number plate renewal is only available for private vehicles. Commercial vehicles, including buses, taxis, and trucks, do not qualify for BH number plates.
What are the benefits of BH registration renewal for frequent movers?
The BH number plate provides nationwide validity, eliminating the need to re-register your vehicle if you move to a different state. This is particularly beneficial for people with jobs that involve frequent relocations, as it simplifies the registration process and reduces associated costs.
