The Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH) launched the BH series number plate in 2021 to ensure the easy registration of vehicles within India for people who frequently shift locations for work. The number plate also makes it easier for vehicle owners to travel from one state to another without re-registration hassles. It is especially handy for professionals employed in transferable jobs, government officers, and employees of companies with operations in multiple states or union territories. Keep reading to get a complete overview of the BH number plate in Punjab, including its advantages, suitability, application procedure, cost, and more.
What Is BH Registration in Punjab?
The BH series number plate in Punjab was introduced to avoid re-registration when moving or shifting to another state. According to Indian motor laws, a personal vehicle can be legally driven in a new city for 12 months without re-registration. However, when this time limit is crossed, the owner must re-register the car at the local Regional Transport Office (RTO), or else they will have to pay a fine. The BH number plate is only available for non-transport vehicles and is especially useful for professionals who frequently travel for work.
Why Apply for BH Series Number Plate in Punjab?
If you keep changing work locations, the BH series number plate in Punjab has numerous advantages:
No re-registration hassle
With the BH series number plate, you don’t have to re-register your car whenever you change cities or states. This is particularly beneficial for people who frequently travel between states due to work commitments, as it helps them avoid the administrative burden of state-wise re-registration.
Equal taxation
Motor vehicle taxes are paid in two-year instalments rather than a single payment for 15 years, making BH registration an affordable option. It allows car owners to pay their taxes over time rather than having to make a big upfront payment.
India-wide validity
The BH series number plate is valid throughout India, allowing travel without any inconvenience. People who frequently move from one state to another can drive their cars peacefully without having to worry about the traffic police stopping them and imposing a fine.
Most suitable for transferable jobs
Professionals working in jobs where they have to be frequently transferred are most suitable for the BH series number plate. For example, people working in government services, defence, banking, MNCs, and IT professionals.
Prevention of illegal registrations
The BH series reduces the chances of duplicate vehicle registration and fraud. With a centralised database for vehicle registrations, the system is able to track and monitor vehicles better, reducing cases of illegal registrations.
Less paperwork
The abolition of state-specific registration means that vehicle owners are no longer stuck with the tiresome paperwork involved in interstate transfers.
BH Series Number Plate Pattern in Punjab
BH number plate pattern is as follows: “YY BH #### AA”
- “YY” (Year of Registration): Year of the registration of the vehicle (such as 24 for 2024).
- “BH” (Bharat Series): This shows that the vehicle is part of the Bharat series and is valid all over India.
- “####” (Random 4-Digit Number): A random four-digit number is allotted.
- “AA” (Random Alphabets): Two random letters between A and Z.
Features of BH Series Number Plate
The BH series number plate has a number of unique features:
Pan-India Acceptability
The BH number plate is valid throughout India, including all union territories and states. This eliminates the inconvenience of vehicle owners having to re-register their vehicles whenever they relocate to another state. This pan-India acceptability eliminates most bureaucratic obstacles and provides a hassle-free driving experience.
Only for Non-Transport Vehicles
Registration in the BH series is limited to private, non-commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles like taxis, trucks, and buses are not eligible. This is to make registration easier for individuals than for companies.
Government and Private Sector Eligibility
The BH number plate is eligible for government departments, defence services, and private-sector company staff with offices in more than four states. This is to provide relief to professionals who constantly need to relocate to different states, saving them from the effort and cost of multiple re-registrations.
Facilitates Vehicle Tracking
The standard design of the BH series number plate enables the government to track and identify cars easily. This enhances road safety, averts vehicle fraud, and allows law enforcement authorities across states to monitor and regulate vehicle movement easily.
Ensures Uniformity
Unlike the conventional state-specific vehicle registration numbers, the BH series number plate ensures uniformity throughout the nation. Uniformity eliminates variance in registration procedures between states.
Eligibility for BH Number Plate in Punjab
To qualify for a BH series number plate in Punjab, you need to belong to any of the below-given categories:
- Government Employees: Central government and state government employees, administrative service personnel, and public sector bank employees.
- Defence Personnel: Defence personnel can be eligible for this number plate.
- Private Sector Employees: Employees of firms with offices in four or more states or union territories.
- Police and Paramilitary Forces: The employees of these forces can apply for the BH series.
Documents Needed for BH Number Plate Application
You require the following documents in order to apply for a BH number plate in Punjab:
- Form 60
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Official Employee ID Card
- Work Certificate (For private employees in organisations with offices in multiple states/UTs)
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Vehicle Road Tax Payment Proof
How to Apply for BH Registration in Punjab?
The steps to apply for a BH series number plate in Punjab are straightforward:
- Online Application: Log on to MoRTH’s Vahan portal (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/) and enter to apply.
- Dealer Support: You can also visit a registered vehicle dealer, who will assist you in completing Form 20.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload the necessary documents, including Form 60, employment ID, and work certificate.
- Eligibility Checking: State Transport Authorities will verify the applicant’s eligibility.
- BH Series Selection: The “BH” series option must be selected during the vehicle registration application process.
- RTO Approval: Upon approval, the BH number plate is allotted.
- Payment of Motor Vehicle Tax: The tax is to be paid online in two-yearly instalments.
BH Series Number Plate Price in Punjab
The price of a BH series number plate varies based on the invoice price of the vehicle. The tax to be paid on motor vehicles is as follows:
| Invoice Cost | Motor Vehicle Tax (% of Invoice Value) |
| Less than Rs.10 lakh | 8% |
| Rs.10 lakh to Rs.20 lakh | 10% |
| More than Rs.20 lakh | 12% |
- Diesel Vehicles: Extra 2% tax.
- Electric Vehicles: 2% less tax.
FAQs about BH Number Plate in Punjab
Q. Who is eligible to apply for a BH number plate in Punjab?
Government employees, defence personnel, and private sector workers employed with offices in more than four states are eligible.
Q. Is the BH number plate for commercial vehicles?
No, the BH number plate is for non-transport (private) vehicles only.
Q. How long does the BH number plate remain valid?
The BH number plate is valid for 14 years. It is valid without the requirement of re-registration anywhere in India.
Q. What are the tax advantages of a BH number plate?
Motor vehicle tax is paid every two years rather than in a lump sum, so the initial expense is less hefty.
Q. Can I get a BH number plate for an old vehicle?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can register a BH number plate for an old vehicle.
