If you've been on Indian roads recently, you might have noticed a new type of vehicle number plate that starts with the year, followed by "BH." This is the "Bharat series," a new registration system introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to simplify vehicle ownership for people who frequently move between states.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about this new system.
What is the BH (Bharat) Series?
The BH series is a nationwide vehicle registration mark. Unlike traditional state-based plates (like "PB" for Punjab or "MH" for Maharashtra), a BH series plate is valid across all of India without requiring re-registration when the owner moves from one state to another. This eliminates a significant amount of paperwork and hassle for people in transferable jobs.
Who is Eligible for a BH Series Plate?
Currently, the BH series is not available to everyone. It is primarily for individuals who are likely to be transferred across states. The eligible categories include:
- State and Central Government employees.
- Defense personnel.
- Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- Private sector employees whose companies have offices in at least four states or Union Territories.
Eligible individuals must submit proof of employment (like an official ID or a working certificate) to apply for a BH series registration.
How is the Road Tax Calculated?
This is one of the biggest changes. Instead of paying a 15-year or lifetime road tax to a single state, BH series vehicle owners pay road tax every two years. The tax amount is calculated based on the vehicle's invoice price (pre-GST):
- 8% for vehicles with an invoice price below ₹10 lakh.
- 10% for vehicles with an invoice price between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh.
- 12% for vehicles with an invoice price above ₹20 lakh.
A 2% extra charge is levied for diesel vehicles, while electric vehicles receive a 2% concession.
Advantages of the BH Series
- No Re-registration Headaches: The biggest benefit is the freedom to move your vehicle anywhere in India without needing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and going through the complex re-registration process.
- Transparent Online Process: The entire process, from application to tax payment, is handled online through the Vahan portal, increasing transparency.
- Fairer Taxation: The "pay as you go" two-year tax cycle ensures you only pay tax in the state you are currently residing in, rather than paying a large upfront sum to one state.
Most Vehicles Still Use RTO Codes
While the BH series is a great initiative, it's important to remember that the vast majority of vehicles in India still use the traditional state-based RTO registration system. For identifying the city and state of these vehicles, our India RTO Code Finder remains an essential and convenient tool.