The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) implemented the BH (Bharat) number plate in 2021 as a standard vehicle registration system, with West Bengal streamlining vehicle travel between Indian states. Because the BH series removes the requirement for re-registration while travelling between states, it has gained popularity among people whose employment requires them to migrate regularly. Government workers, military personnel,and private sector workers employed by businesses with offices throughout several states or union territories are all covered by this arrangement.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
Vehicle owners had to re-register their cars each time they relocated to a new state before the BH series, which was expensive and time-consuming. By enabling the vehicle to keep its original registration between states, the BH series streamlines this procedure and spares car owners the trouble of coordinating with various Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in every state.
To guarantee consistency, ease of use, and smooth automobile movement throughout Indian states, the BH series number plate system was created. West Bengal has accepted the BH registration system as a valuable solution for its frequent movers because of its sizable government employment, military presence, and corporate sectors.
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 ensure a BH plate suits your needs and lifestyle, assessing your eligibility and unique situation is crucial before applying.
Government Worker: You must be employed by the central or state governments to be eligible. This status guarantees you fulfil the Bharat series standards for numerous relocations and aids in a seamless BH registration process.
Member of the Defence Services: Because they frequently move, members of the armed forces are eligible for the BH number plate. This allows them to register cars under a scheme that makes interstate travel easier without re-registration.
Private Sector Employment: You may apply for a BH number plate if employed by a private sector business with operations in at least four states or Union Territories. For professionals who must travel frequently for work, this eligibility is beneficial.
Employer Documentation: You must present your employer's records attesting to your job status. This letter is essential since it verifies that you can register for a BH series number plate.
Vehicle Registration: Ensure the car is in your name and complies with all legal criteria before registering it. This guarantees that your application will be completed efficiently and satisfies all applicable legal requirements for vehicle registration.
Rules Compliance: Every car needs to abide by local regulations, which include having a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, current insurance, and any other to avoid issues during BH registration and maintain roadworthiness.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can obtain a Bharat 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.
These were the two ways to get the BH series number plate in your hands.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
You must present many necessary documents when applying for a BH number plate:
Evidence of Eligibility: A letter attesting to your eligibility for your job.
Form 20: The formal application for car registration is Form 20.
Form 60: A working certificate verifying your job information is Form 60.
Evidence of identity and address: Government-issued documents that confirm your identity and address, such as a driver's license, passport, or Aadhaar.
Vehicle Records: Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, insurance documents, original registration certificate (RC), and vehicle invoice for road tax computations.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
The BH number plate system's adaptable road tax payment option is one of its main advantages. The BH series permits road tax to be paid in instalments every two years or in multiples of two,in contrast to state-specific registrations, which are paid in whole for a predetermined number of years.
In West Bengal, the vehicle's invoice price determines the road tax rates for cars with BH license plates. The rates listed below are applicable:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakhs
8%
10%
₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakhs
12%
14%
This tax is valid for 14 years, after which an annual road tax is applicable.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Online road tax payment for a BH license plate is a simple procedure that can help you save time and effort. Here's how to accomplish it effectively:
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 Lump Sum Two Year under Tax Details. Information about your vehicle will be shown.
Make the payment final. When your new tax deadline is finished, it will be posted.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
For people in West Bengal, the BH number plate system has various benefits, especially for those whose jobs compel them to move frequently. Here are a few of the main advantages:
Smooth Interstate Movement
When relocating to a new state, owners of cars with BH license plates are spared the time-consuming re-registration procedure. This makes managing a vehicle and travelling across states easier.
Flexible Road Tax Payment
Owning a car is more convenient and economical when road tax is paid every two years rather than all at once.
Decreased Paperwork
By reducing the amount of paperwork, the BH registration system speeds up and simplifies registering a car.
Long-Term Registration Stability
Owners of vehicles can maintain their registration even if they relocate across states, giving them a sense of stability over the long run.
Simplified Documentation
The BH system is more straightforward to administer because it requires less paperwork than state-specific registrations.
Cost-effective for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles pay less road taxes, so car owners are encouraged to make environmentally sound decisions.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in West Bengal, 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 for BH registration renewal in West Bengal 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:
Make use of the Parivahan Portal. The BH number plate renewal process can be started 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 West Bengal.
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.
Choose two years (or multiples of that, such as four or six years) as the payment option. Finish the payment; the revised due date will appear on your tax details page after verifying it.
Following payment, the portal will inform you of the next due date and change the BH number plate renewal status.
Conclusion
The BH license plate is an excellent choice for people moving around for work. It removes the need to re-register your vehicle in each state, makes it possible to pay road taxes quickly and easily, and streamlines the registration process. It may eventually help more Indians, even though its primary beneficiaries are employees in the public and specific private sectors. The BH license plate could save you time and headaches if you are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to BH series in West Bengal
Can I transfer my existing vehicle registration to a BH number plate in West Bengal?
You can apply for a BH series conversion if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Are used vehicles eligible for BH series registration?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, used vehicles can be registered under the BH series.
Do electric vehicles have any unique benefits under the BH series?
Electric vehicles enjoy reduced road tax rates in West Bengal under the BH system.
Can I transfer a BH number plate to another person in West Bengal?
Yes, but the new owner must meet the eligibility requirements for the BH series.
What happens if I change jobs while having a BH series number plate?
You may need to update your eligibility documents, but you can retain your BH series number plate.
Can individuals work remotely but for companies in multiple states apply for a BH number plate renewal in West Bengal?
Yes, if your company operates in four or more states, you are eligible for a BH number plate renewal, even if you work remotely.
What happens if you miss the deadline for your BH registration renewal?
Timely renewal is necessary to prevent penalties and guarantee continued registration validity because failing to get your BH registration renewal done by the deadline could result in a penalty.
