All You Need to Know About the Bharat Series Number Plates

Posted on: Jul 21, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

All You Need to Know About the Bharat Series Number Plates

The Indian government took a decision in 2021 to launch a number plate type that would make it easier for people to move around within the country. Hence the Bharat series number plate was launched. As a general rule, vehicle owners have to change the registration plates of their cars when they shift to another state. However, with the BH number plates, this requirement is no longer in place.

What is the BH series number plate?

BH in the number plate stands for Bharat. A car with this number plate can be used anywhere in the country and does not require a state-specific registration. Vehicles that don't have a BH number plate need to be registered in a particular state. So for example, if you register your car in Kerala, you will get a KL number plate. If you get transferred to Punjab thereafter, you have to change the registration and get a PB number plate. This is quite inconvenient and costly but the trouble is saved if you have a BH registration.

Why was the BH series number plate launched?

The Bharat series number plate was launched to make it more convenient for vehicle owners, especially those who have a transferable job. In the absence of a BH number plate, you have to change the registration plate every time you move to a new city.

This is highly inconvenient and also affects the motor insurance policy which needs to be updated as per the registration number. Hence, having a one India one number plate system really helps.

If you have a BH series number plate and you move to another city in a different state, you don't have to worry about changing your car insurance plan as with the same registration number, you can carry on with the same coverage.

BH Series Number Plate: Decoding

If you see a vehicle with the Bharat series number plate, you will notice that the letters and numbers printed on the plate are different from a regular number plate. So what defines the BH number plate? Let us decode it:

1. YY

The first two digits on the BH number plate signify the year in which the car was registered. For example, you will have 22 in the first two places if your car was registered in 2022.

2. BH

This will be followed by the letters BH. BH stands for Bharat and shows that the vehicle was a Bharat series number plate.

3. Numbers

Next, you will get four random numbers that will range between 0000 and 9999.

4. Alphabets

And finally, you will get two random alphabets that will range between AA and ZZ.

BH Series Number Plate: Eligibility

The BH number plate is very c convenient and this is why a lot of people look to get it. However, since the system is still new, it has not been made available to the entire population. You need to meet certain criteria to ensure you get a BH series registration. They are:

1. Government officials,
2. PSU employees,
3. Army personnel, and
4. Private employees with transferable jobs.

The Bharat series number plate is a great initiative and it can be hoped that it becomes accessible to more people in the days to come.

Road tax for BH series cars

When it comes to paying the Road Tax, vehicles with the Bharat series number plate stand to gain. While vehicles with a regular registration plate need to pay the road tax for 15 years, the BH vehicles only need to do so for a period of two years. This is extremely beneficial and allows you to make some hefty savings.

Pros and cons of BH series number plate

Let us now discuss the ways in which you can benefit from the Bharat series number plate:

1. Easy to move around

It is easy to move around the country when you have this type of number plate on your vehicle. You will not be stopped and asked questions regarding a different-state registration or have to face any other such challenges. You don't even have to change your registration each time you move.

2. Less tax

The road tax for a BH number plate vehicle is relatively lower as compared to a vehicle that has a regular number plate.

3. No insurance hassle

You don't have to change or alter your car insurance policy when you have a BH number plate. Otherwise, each time you move and change your state of residence, you have to change the registration number and then alter the motor insurance policy as well.

While these are surely beneficial, there are some limitations that you get with the Bharat series number plate as well. They include:

1. Can't choose

You cannot choose the number of your choice on a BH number plate. You have to settle for the number that is randomly generated.

2. Not everyone is eligible

The BH number plates are yet to be available for everyone. Also, commercial vehicles can't have a BH number plate.

How to apply for a BH series number plate Online?

It is quite simple to apply for a Bharat series number plate. You can do so by visiting the portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Select the option to apply for the number plate. Next, upload the documents required, including the papers to prove your eligibility. Make the payment and you will have successfully registered yourself for a BH number plate.

BH Series Number Plate: Should You Get One?

If you have a transferable job or you are someone who moves around the country a lot, going for a Bharat series number plate would be a good idea. Weigh all the pros and cons and then make a suitable decision, based on your requirements and preferences.

To know more, check out this article on Everything You Wanted to Know About Bharat Series Vehicle Registration.

FAQ

1. Can taxis and auto rickshaws have a BH registration?

No, as per the regulations issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, commercial vehicles can't have a BH registration. Only private vehicles can have it.

2. Can I change the existing registration of my vehicle to a BH registration?

Yes, it is possible to change the registration of an existing vehicle and get a BH series number plate. However, the required documents have to be submitted and the payment has to be made accordingly.

3. Is it difficult to sell a BH-registered car?

No, it is not difficult to sell a BH vehicle. On the contrary, these cars are much in demand nowadays and so, you can easily sell your BH car if you wish to do so.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

All You Need to Know About High-Security Number Plates (HSRP)

Number Plates in India: Types and Usages

Know How is the Insurance Rate Affected by The Number of Miles Driven

E-Challan System is Improving Traffic Law Enforcement in India

How to File Car Insurance Claim with Temporary Registration Number?