Government Introduces New 'BH' Bharat Number Series for Vehicles

The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has introduced a new number series for vehicles called the Bharat "BH" series. This comes as a move to facilitate the seamless transfer of vehicles when the owner of the vehicle shifts from one state to another. 

The motive behind introducing the "BH" number series

The Ministry has introduced this new number series to help vehicle owners who frequently shift their residence from one state to another because of the transferable nature of their jobs. 

Defence personnel, employees of central and state governments, central and state public sector undertakings, and private sector organisations with offices in five or more states/Union Territories who are likely to be transferred once every 2–3 years will be eligible for registration under the new series.

The format of the new number series

The format of the new series is YY BH #### XX.

In this case, the number must begin with two digits indicating the year of first registration. These two digits shall be followed by "BH," representing Bharat, which replaces the letters denoting the state of registration. Furthermore, four randomly generated numbers between 0000 and 9999 must be followed by two letters between AA and ZZ.

Benefits of the "BH" number series:

Road tax shall be paid only for 2 years for vehicles registered under the "BH" series, as compared to the payment of road tax for 15 years in the case of regular registrations. As and when the vehicle owner moves to a different state or on the expiry of the two-year period, whichever is earlier, the road tax is paid as per the rates applicable in the state of residence as on the date of payment. Also, the motor vehicle tax will be levied for two years or in a multiple of two. 

Finding a buyer in the new state with a vehicle bearing an old state registration plate would be a tedious task, as the transfer requires a new registration. However, it is easier to transfer ownership of vehicles registered under the "BH" series in the new state as it is a transfer of ownership.

Applying for the "BH" series plate

The application can be submitted along with a functional government ID to prove employment at the origin RTO or through the Vahan portal. Further, the owner has to pay road tax for two years (or in multiples of two) depending upon the duration of stay in the state where the car was purchased.

Later, one can file for re-registration at the time of transfer and pay the tax applicable to the new state. An option for a refund of taxes from the previous state can be availed if the tenure of registration has not expired and the owner is willing to pay tax for the new state.