The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a new vehicle registration series called the ‘BH’ series, where ‘BH’ stands for Bharat. This registration mark aims to facilitate the seamless transfer of vehicles across states in India. Vehicles bearing the ‘BH’ registration mark will not require re-registration when moving to a different state, simplifying the process for vehicle owners.
The ‘BH’ series registration can be voluntarily availed by defence personnel, employees of state and central government bodies, as well as private sector companies and organizations that have offices in four or more states or union territories. This initiative is particularly beneficial for individuals who are frequently transferred to different states or union territories due to their work or service.
Under the current regulations, vehicle owners are required to pay an upfront road tax for a period of 15 years. If an individual decides to transfer and re-register their vehicle in another state, they would need to pay the road tax for the remaining years. However, with the introduction of the ‘BH’ series, vehicle owners will no longer face this requirement, reducing the financial burden associated with transferring vehicles across state borders.
The road tax for non-transport vehicles under the BH series is determined based on the invoice price of the car. For cars below Rs 10 lakh (invoice price), the road tax is set at eight percent. Cars with an invoice price between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh attract a road tax of 10 percent, while cars costing over Rs 20 lakh have a road tax of 12 percent. Diesel cars are subject to an additional two percent road tax, while electric cars receive a two percent reduction compared to the regular tax structure. The road tax is levied biannually, with owners required to pay the motor vehicle tax every two years.
It is important to note that a late fee of Rs 100 per day will be charged for delayed payment of road tax, starting from seven days after the due date. Additionally, after 14 years from the date of the vehicle’s first registration, the motor vehicle tax will be levied annually at half the applicable rate mentioned earlier.
The registration mark for vehicles under the ‘BH’ series will be generated randomly through the portal. It will be presented in black on a white background. The registration mark will consist of the last two digits of the year of registration, followed by the letters ‘BH’, and a unique four-digit number ranging from 0001 to 9999. It will be followed by a combination of letters such as A, B, C, and then AA, AB, AZ, and so on.
The introduction of the ‘BH’ series registration plates by MoRTH is expected to streamline the process of vehicle transfer and re-registration across states in India. It will provide convenience to defence personnel, government employees, and private sector companies, reducing the administrative burden and facilitating smooth mobility within the country.
