Does the nature of your job require you to move to new locations across India? A common issue associated with frequent relocations is that you must re-register your vehicle in every new state. It is not only a cumbersome process but financially exhausting as well. That is why the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH) has ensured such car owners are exempt from re-registration by introducing the Bharat Series (BH) number plates in 2021. Read on to learn about the benefits of getting a BH number plate in Maharashtra, how to apply, the eligibility criteria, the documents required, and more.
What is BH registration in Maharashtra?
A BH number plate ensures hassle-free vehicle movement throughout the country. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, all passenger vehicles must be registered in the state where the owner currently resides. A period of 12 months is granted to all car owners to get their vehicles re-registered in the state they have relocated to. If they fail to meet the deadline, they are subject to hefty fines and penalties. Moreover, re-registration can be time-consuming, which is a problem for those with transferable jobs. A BH registration in Maharashtra will ensure you can relocate anytime without facing the trouble of re-registration.
Why Apply for BH Series Number Plate in Maharashtra?
There are several benefits of BH registration; let’s take a look:
Easy Payment of Road Tax: When you register a vehicle the regular way, you have to pay a one-time road tax of 15 years. But if you have a BH series number plate, you are required to pay the tax for 2 years initially, with payments due every 2 years. Once 14 years have passed, the tax is levied at half the previous rate.
Convenient Vehicle Registration: A BH number plate means owners don’t have to undergo re-registration each time they relocate. They can bypass the mountain of paperwork, as this number plate has nationwide validity. This is a huge advantage for those with transferable jobs. You can drive your car around without worrying about being penalized.
Cost Savings: Since re-registration is not required, car owners save on costs such as fees, taxes, documentation expenses, etc., which could add up to an exorbitant sum. As mentioned, the road tax payment procedure also leads to significant savings in the long run.
Prevents Illegal Registration and Fraud: Uniformity in the registration process minimizes illegal registration transfers and fake number plates. Moreover, it helps authorities catch perpetrators in case of theft and can also be used to track down owners if there is a mishap.
BH Series Number Plate Format in Maharashtra
The BH number plate in Maharashtra doesn’t specify the state it is registered in; it follows a standard format of “YYBH####XX”. Each part is explained below:
- YY – The year of registration of the vehicle.
- BH – The first two letters of the Bharat Series.
- #### – Randomly assigned registration number consisting of 4 digits.
- XX – 2-letter code from A to Z.
For example, a BH-registered vehicle in Maharashtra may have a number plate like 24 BH 1234 XY, where:
- “24” represents the registration year (2023).
- “BH” stands for the Bharat series.
- “1234” is the unique vehicle number.
- “XY” is a random letter set.
Features of BH Series Number Plate
The BH number plate has many features that differentiate it from standard state-registered plates:
- A BH number plate doesn’t specify the state it has been registered, unlike regular number plates.
- It follows a consistent format that ensures national validity.
- It becomes convenient to relocate without requiring re-registration every time, thus saving time and unnecessary paperwork.
- Holograms and advanced software are used to prevent counterfeiting of a BH series number plate.
- It becomes easier for authorities to track and verify vehicle information.
- It is applicable for non-transport vehicles only.
Eligibility for BH Number Plate in Maharashtra
Not everyone is eligible for the BH number plate; here is the list of those who are eligible to apply:
- Employees of state and central government.
- Defence personnel.
- Bank employees.
- Employees of administrative services.
- Private sector employees with offices in more than 4 states or union territories.
In Maharashtra, both new and old vehicles can have a BH number plate, but applicants must pay the road tax in full before being issued a BH number.
Documents Needed for BH Number Plate Application
Please keep the following documents ready prior to applying:
- Form 60 for private sector employees.
- PAN card.
- Official ID card and/or letter from employer.
- Valid address and identity proof such as driving license, passport, Aadhar card, etc.
- GST certificate of the organization you work in.
- Vehicle-related documents.
How to Apply for BH Registration in Maharashtra?
The process for online application of a BH number plate in Maharashtra is straightforward – all you have to do is follow the instructions below:
- Log on to the Parivahan Sewa portal via the MoRTH website.
- Hover over the “Vehicle Registration” tab on the homepage.
- Select “Bharat Series” from the drop-down menu.
- Please fill out the information regarding your vehicle. Double-check to ensure all details are correct.
- Upload proper documents such as address proof, vehicle registration papers, and so on.
- Pay the required fees. Once the payment goes through, an acknowledgment number is automatically generated.
- The BH registration is only successful once all documents are verified.
Note: Alternatively, you can ask your dealership to complete the formalities on your behalf via the Parivahan Sewa portal. They can help you fill out Form 20 on the website while selecting the “BH” series option while applying. State authorities will verify if you are eligible before processing the application. Please upload the necessary documents as needed and wait for approval from the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). Once you get the green light, pay the fees online.
BH Series Number Plate Price in Maharashtra
The BH number plate cost comes from the ex-showroom vehicle price through the nationwide standard tax system. Here is how the tax is calculated:
- Vehicles under Rs.10 lakh: 8% tax (Petrol), 10% tax (Diesel), 6% tax (Electric).
- Vehicles between Rs.10-20 lakh: 10% tax (Petrol), 12% tax (Diesel), 8% tax (Electric).
- Vehicles above Rs.20 lakh: 12% tax (Petrol), 14% tax (Diesel), 10% tax (Electric).
This tax is paid every two years instead of the usual one-time 15-year tax for standard registrations.
FAQ about BH number plate in Maharashtra
Q. Are there any specific rules about BH registration for older vehicles?
Old vehicles can apply for the BH series number via the application process mentioned above, but their current registration must be valid. The vehicle can only be converted to a BH number plate if the re-registration period has not expired.
Q. Do you need to change your insurance premium while applying for a BH series number plate?
The BH number plate will not impact your insurance premium. Premiums are determined by make and model, location, age, etc., so your existing policy will continue as before.
Q. Is it possible to buy or sell a car with a BH number plate?
Yes, you can easily sell a vehicle with a BH number plate in Maharashtra. Make sure you have the proper documents and are well-versed in the procedure for purchasing and selling such vehicles. If you have sold the car, please inform the local RTO, as you might have to submit some documents. There shouldn’t be any outstanding dues, such as unpaid loans, taxes, or pending fines.
Q. Are BH registrations transferable?
No, BH registrations aren’t transferable. You can sell a car to someone who isn’t eligible for BH registration, after which the new owner has to apply for a standard registration. Even if the individual meets the eligibility criteria for a BH series number plate issuance, they have to start from scratch and apply again. If you buy a car with a BH number, you, too, have to follow the same rules.
Q. What privileges are available to car owners with a BH number plate?
Apart from not having to re-register whenever they move to a new location, the BH number plate can be used to track down the car during thefts or mishaps. It also eliminates tedious paperwork, while the flexible tax payment schedule is extremely convenient. However, the vehicle won’t be allowed in restricted zones or prohibited areas.
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