The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the Bharat (BH) series number plate in 2021 to ease interstate movement of vehicles in India. Traditionally, a vehicle registered in one state can be used in another state for up to 12 months without re-registration. The scheme allows car owners to use a single number plate regardless of the state where they choose to settle down later. Many professionals, including government employees, defence forces, and corporate sector professionals, can benefit from having this unique plate. Keep reading if you want to know how to get a BH number plate in Madhya Pradesh, the eligibility criteria and more.
What is BH Registration in Madhya Pradesh?
BH registration is a centralised vehicle registration system that allows non-transport vehicles to be used across India without re-registering in new states. The system solves the problems of people who often change locations because of their jobs, enabling them to use their vehicles without any interruption across state lines. The BH series number plate is valid across the country, which offers a convenient experience for vehicle owners and allows them to save on road tax payments.
Why Apply for BH Series Number Plate in Madhya Pradesh?
Purchasing a BH (Bharat) series number plate in Madhya Pradesh is of huge advantage, particularly for individuals who have jobs with regular transfers. The following is a detailed discussion of the advantages:
1. Interstate Vehicle Movement without any hindrances
Historically, vehicles registered under a single state have to undergo re-registration in the case of transfer to another state for more than 12 months. All this re-registration entails getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC), paying road tax again, and undergoing a bureaucratic process. The BH series number plate takes away all these troubles so that owners can commute freely between states without the hassle of re-registration.
2. Financial Flexibility With Biennial Taxation
The BH series also includes a biennial (two-yearly) road tax payment, unlike traditional long-term, lump-sum tax payments. This arrangement is financially more flexible and enables vehicle owners to manage their spending better, especially those who do not know how long they will stay in any state.
3. Simplified Administrative Procedures
The BH series simplifies vehicle registration between states, eliminating bureaucratic red tape. Vehicle owners do not have to endure the tiresome process of re-registration, which involves awkward documentation and repeated visits to Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). This system is particularly useful in Madhya Pradesh, where individuals commute regularly for professional reasons.
4. Uniformity and Recognition
The uniform BH series number plate design makes it easily identifiable anywhere in the country. Standardisation not only eases the job of the police and reduces the likelihood of deceitful practices, but also gives drivers confidence in the legitimacy of their vehicle’s registration anywhere in the country.
5. Effective and Digitized Application Procedure
The application process for a BH series number plate is pretty straightforward. Applicants can fill out the forms on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Parivahan website. The online process reduces RTO visits, which saves applicants time and effort.
BH Series Number Plate Format in Madhya Pradesh
The BH series number plate has a standardised format:
- YY: Year of registration.
- BH: Bharat series.
- ####: Four-digit random number.
- XX: Two random alphabets (I and O excluded to avoid confusion).
Example: 21 BH 1234 AB
Here:
- ’21’ signifies the vehicle being registered in the year 2021.
- BH is for Bharat series
- 1234 is the random number
- AB are the random alphabets.
Features of BH Series Number Plate
The BH series number plate offers several distinct features that make it a must-have:
- Pan-India Validity: BH series number plates are pan-India valid, minimising the need for re-registration on shifting from one state to another.
- Uniform Pattern: The registration pattern for BH number plates is standardised: ‘YY BH #### XX’. ‘YY’ is the last two digits of the registration year, ‘BH’ is for Bharat, ‘####’ is a randomly assigned four-digit number, and ‘XX’ is two letters specifying the vehicle category.
- Reserved for Non-Transport Vehicles: The registration system is reserved for non-transport (private) vehicles alone to give the owners of personal vehicles the advantage of the easy process.
- Simplified Taxation: The BH series introduces a voluntary road tax system with a flexible scheme. This scheme allows owners to pay road tax every two years rather than a large sum over a prolonged period.
Eligibility for BH Number Plate in Madhya Pradesh
BH Series number plates can be owned by a certain set of people:
- Government Employees: Officers employed by central and state governments, along with defence personnel and paramilitary forces.
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): PSUs’ central and state government employees.
- Private Sector Employees: People employed with private organisations operating offices in at least four states/Union territories.
Eligible individuals can register their vehicles either when buying new ones or when renewing their existing ones.
Documents Needed for BH Number Plate Application
Applicants should provide the following documents during the BH number plate registration process:
- Proof of Employment: Government officials must provide a service certificate. Private-sector workers must provide a working certificate and a valid ID card.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, or bills will be enough as residence proof.
- Vehicle-related Documents: The vehicle invoice, insurance documents, and manufacturer certificate fall under this category.
- Identity Documentation: PAN card, voter ID card, or passport.
How to Apply for BH Registration in Madhya Pradesh?
One can apply for a BH series number plate by following these easy steps:
- Application Submission: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ official website, Parivahan Sewa, and fill out the BH series registration application form with personal and vehicle details.
- Document Upload: Upload documents required, including employment proof, address proof, and vehicle documents.
- Fee Payment: Pay the amount of road tax due online. The system renders a challan as proof.
- Verification: Documents and the details of the vehicle are verified by the local RTO.
- Approval and Issuance: Upon verification success, the BH series number plate and registration number are approved and allotted to the vehicle.
BH Series Number Plate Price in Madhya Pradesh
The road tax for cars registered under the BH series is determined on the basis of the invoice price of the vehicle and is payable every two years. The tax values are as follows:
- Cars priced below Rs. 10 lakh: 8% of the invoice price of the vehicle.
- For cars priced between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh: 10% of the invoice price.
- Cars priced above Rs. 20 lakh: 12% of the invoice price of the vehicle.
Diesel vehicles are subject to a further 2% tax, and electric vehicles receive a 2% discount. These taxes are the same nationwide.
FAQ about BH Number Plate in Madhya Pradesh
Q. Is BH registration compulsory?
No, a BH registration is voluntary and is primarily helpful for salaried employees with transferable jobs.
Q. Am I eligible to apply for a BH number plate if I am self-employed?
At present, government agents, military personnel, bank workers, and employees with offices in more than four states are eligible. If you belong to any of these fields, you are eligible.
Q. Can I shift my existing vehicle to a BH number plate?
Yes, you can shift to a BH number plate if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q. What if I sell my BH-registered vehicle?
If you sell your car that has a BH number, the new owner will have to go through state-specific re-registration processes even if they meet the eligibility criteria, as the BH plate is assigned to the individual, not the car.
Q. Are commercial vehicles allowed to have BH registration?
No, BH number plates are only for private vehicles.