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Disadvantages of BH Number Plate Registration You Must Know

The BH number plate, also known as the Bharat series number plate, is a new initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) of India. It was introduced in 2021, aiming to provide a unified vehicle registration number across India.

Despite several advantages, including not needing to re-register with the State’s Road Transport Office (RTO) when moving to different states and a relatively low upfront cost, the BH number plate also has some disadvantages. If you are planning to opt for a BH series number plate for your vehicle, you must know these drawbacks before making a decision.

What are the Drawbacks of Having BH Series Number Plate?

Check out the major disadvantages of BH number plates in the section below:

Restricted Eligibility

The restricted eligibility for the Bharat Series (BH) number plate is one of its key disadvantages. This initiative is designed for individuals working in specific sectors, limiting its availability to a select group.

The eligible categories include central and state government employees, employees of nationalised banks, employees of public sector undertakings (PSUs), and professionals working in private firms with offices in 4 or more states/UTs.

Exclusion of Commercial Vehicles

It is essential to note that commercial vehicles, such as taxis, buses, and trucks, are not eligible for BH series registrations. They are only available for private, non-transport vehicles, preventing commercial operators from leveraging the pan-Indian registration validity benefits.

Limited Buyers for Resale

Reselling a vehicle with a BH-number plate is quite challenging. The buyer must meet the specific eligibility criteria for a BH plate. Otherwise, the car must be registered with the state before the transfer of ownership is completed.

Randomly Generated Registration Number

Every BH number plate has a randomly generated, unique 4-digit code. It is system-generated, and the vehicle owner has no control over the numbers or progression. This can be off-putting for individuals who prefer to have a specific set of numbers on their car/two-wheeler’s number plate.

Recurrent Road Tax Payment

Paying the road tax amount every two years for the next 14 years may strain the finances of individuals managing long-term debt. Moreover, owners need to be vigilant about renewing their road tax on time, which can be time-consuming and requires ongoing attention to the deadlines and processes involved.

This added responsibility can be cumbersome, especially for those new to the system or accustomed to the varying procedures of state RTOs.

Higher Initial Cost

The upfront cost of obtaining a BH number plate is comparatively higher than that of a standard registration. This is due to the way road tax is calculated for BH vehicles based on their ex-showroom price.

Also, diesel vehicle owners will face higher costs compared to petrol and EV owners, as their road tax rate under the BH registration system is 2% higher.

FAQs About BH Number Plate Disadvantages

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Is BH Registration good or bad?

A BH number plate is helpful for people with a frequent relocation work profile, as there is no need for re-registration, and it has a lower upfront cost. But for those who stay in one state for the long term, this registration initiative is less beneficial, as the recurring road taxes are time-consuming and require constant attention to stay up to date with the system.

What are the disadvantages of the BH series?

Restricted eligibility criteria, biennial road tax payments, and random number generation are among the notable disadvantages of the BH series.

Can normal people get BH registration?

Eligibility for the BH series number plate is restricted. It includes central and state government employees, employees of nationalised banks, PSU employees and individuals working in private companies with offices in 4 or more states/UTs.

Can I sell a BH series car to anyone in India?

BH-series vehicles can be sold, but the transfer typically requires the buyer to be eligible for BH registration or follow state-specific re-registration procedures if the buyer is ineligible.

Which is better, the BH series or the normal registration in India?

The BH-series offers flexibility, which is ideal for professionals who need to frequently relocate. Alternatively, the state registration can be a better option for individuals who plan to stay in a particular region in the long term.

Can a BH number plate be used for commercial or business purposes in India?

No, BH-series registration is primarily for private, non-transport vehicles. Commercial or business-use vehicles generally follow state-specific commercial registration numbers.