The Bharat series number plate is a new series of vehicle number plates in India starting with 'BH'. The Ministry of Transport created this series in 2021 to make the movement of vehicles from one state to another convenient. When moving to another state in India, you no longer need to go through the process of changing your vehicle’s number plate. The new Bharat series number plate has several highlights you might be interested in knowing. The following sections will discuss important things you must know about the BH series number plate India.
What is the BH Number Plate?
According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Section 47, a vehicle registered in one state but used in another state for more than one year shall be assigned a new registration mark in that other state. Compliance failure results in hefty penalties. At the same time, re-registration is hectic and time-consuming, especially for those with transferable jobs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the new Bharat number plate system to address this issue. It allows vehicle owners to relocate to any Indian state without the requirement for re-registration.
Under the Bharat no. plate series, you get relief from the cumbersome process of re-registering your vehicle when you change your state. The facility saves paperwork and time that is tiring for all.
Eligibility for BH Series Number Plates
Anyone meeting the following criteria can acquire a Bharat license plate for vehicles:
- Central and state government employees
- People with a background in the armed forces
- States and union territories with over five offices for both state and central public sector undertakings
- Private sector organisations with over five offices in different Indian states
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Key Features of Bharat Number Plate Series
Here are a few key features of an India BH number plate:
- Applicable to non-transport vehicles only.
- Eliminates the need to re-register a vehicle when moving from one state to another.
- Saves time, effort, and paperwork required for the re-registration process.
- Valid across the country in all states and union territories.
- According to the rules for Bharat number plate, the plate must follow a standard design with black fonts on a white background and a different format for the license number.
- The registration number must have 22 BH combinations with BH denominating Bharat.
Format of the Bharat Series Number Plate
The format of a Bharat series number plate for bikes and cars is YY BH #### XX. Here, YY stands for the original vehicle registration year, BH represents the Bharat Series number plate code, #### is a 4-digit random number from 0000 to 9999 identifying the number plate, and XX is a combination of alphabets from AA to ZZ, excluding I and O. For instance, your Bharat car number plate can read as “21BH 6789AB”.
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How to Apply for a BH Number Plate?
Are you looking to apply for a new number plate in India with BH? Follow these steps:
- You can directly log into the official website of MoRTH or approach an automobile dealer.
- If applying through the dealer, fill out Form 20 on the portal.
- If you are a private sector employee with offices in over four states and union territories, you must fill out Form 60 and provide your work certificate with employment ID.
- The state authorities will verify your eligibility.
- On the portal, select series by BH when applying.
- Submit the required documents, including your official ID card or Working Certificate, with form 60.
- Your RTO (Regional Transport Office) will approve your BH series number plate.
- Pay the Bharat series number plate price online.
After completing these steps, the MoRTH Vahan portal will generate a Bharat series registration number applicable in all Indian states.
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Tax Structure of Bharat Number Plate
If your private vehicle is registered under a BH series number plate in India, the road tax will be chargeable for two and multiple of two years. The tax percentage depends on your vehicle's price. Here is a breakdown:
| Vehicle Price | Tax Percentage |
| Below Rs. 10 Lakh | 8% |
| Rs. 10-20 Lakh | 10% |
| Above Rs. 20 Lakh | 12% |
| Tax for Diesel Vehicles | 2% extra |
| Tax for Electric Vehicles | 2% less |
Advantages and Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
Getting a new Bharat number plate has several advantages, including the following:
- Easier Vehicle Registration: The primary advantage of a new Bharat series number plate is the simplified registration process. If you frequently need to relocate from one state to another, it eliminates the hassle of vehicle re-registration every time you move to a new state, saving significant paperwork, time, and effort.
- Pan India Facility: A Bharat license plate is valid throughout India. You can freely drive your vehicle in any Indian state or UT without re-registration or additional permits.
- Money-saving: Since re-registration is no longer a requirement, you can save money required for the process, including documentation charges, additional taxes, and fees. A new Bharat series number plate eliminates these costs. However, the Bharat number plate price is payable.
Although Bharat no. plate is so advantageous, it has some drawbacks as well, such as the following:
- Does Not Cover Transport Vehicles: The India BH number plate only applies to private non-transport vehicles. Transport vehicles like trucks, taxis, and buses do not qualify for a Bharat license plate, limiting the scope of convenience.
- Restricted Eligibility: Only a specific group of people are eligible for a Bharat series number plate, including government employees, bank employees, private firm workers with offices in multiple states and union territories, and defence personnel. That means the benefit of BH no plate is only available to some.
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Does Your Used Car Required New BH Number Plate?
The requirement for a new BH number plate for your used car depends on various factors, including local regulations, the type of number plate currently on the vehicle, and any changes in registration due to a transfer of ownership or relocation to a different state.
If there is a specific mandate in your region or country for adopting the BH number plate series, you may need to update your existing number plate accordingly. It's advisable to check with the local department of motor vehicles or the relevant vehicle registration authority to understand the specific requirements and regulations applicable to your situation.
Keep in mind that regulations can vary, and the need for a new BH number plate might be influenced by factors such as the type of number plate your vehicle currently has, the reason for the change, and any recent updates in local vehicle registration policies.
Conclusion
With the new Bharat number plate series, you can altogether avoid the re-registration process when moving from one state to another. This is extremely useful, especially if you have a job requiring frequent transfers between different Indian states. If you are eligible for a Bharat series number plate, acquire one to make movement between Indian states easier. Additionally, if you're considering purchasing a used car for your interstate travels, explore the option of a used car loan to make the process even more convenient.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was the Bharat series number plate introduced?
The Ministry of Transport introduced the BH series number plate in 2021.
2. Why was the Bharat series number plate introduced?
The aim of introducing the Bharat series number plate was to make the movement of vehicles from one state to another convenient.
3. Are Bharat series number plates mandatory for all vehicles?
No, only a select few private vehicles are eligible for a new Bharat series number plate.
4. How can I get a Bharat series number plate for my vehicle?
Contact an automobile dealer or visit the MoRTH Vaahan portal to apply for a Bharat no. plate.
5. Can I change the colour of my Bharat series number plate?
No, you must follow the rules for the Bharat number plate regarding colour and design.
