The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification, GSR 879 (E), to implement amendments to the Bharat Series (BH-Series) vehicle registration rules. These changes aim to expand the scope and improve the implementation of the BH-Series registration system.
Background of the BH-Series
Introduced under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the BH-Series registration mark was officially implemented on September 15, 2021, after its inclusion in the rules on August 26, 2021. This initiative is designed to simplify vehicle registration for individuals who frequently relocate across different states and union territories.
The BH-Series eliminates the need for re-registration when a vehicle owner moves to a new state. Initially, this registration was available on a voluntary basis for employees of government offices and private organizations operating in four or more states/UTs. The State Governments and Union Territory Administrations are responsible for implementing the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Eligibility and Required Documents for BH-Series Registration
- Government Employees:
- Can apply using their official identity card or service certificate.
- Private Sector Employees:
- Must provide a working certificate from their employer, confirming that their organization has offices in at least four states or union territories.
Key Amendments and New Provisions
- Sale of BH-Series Vehicles:
- Owners of BH-Series registered vehicles can now sell them to individuals regardless of their BH-Series eligibility.
- Conversion from Regular Registration to BH-Series:
- Vehicles with a normal registration number can now be converted to BH-Series upon payment of the required tax.
- Online Application Facility:
- To improve convenience, Rule 48 is proposed to be amended, allowing applicants to apply for BH-Series registration from their home or office.
- Stronger Verification for Private Sector Employees:
- To prevent misuse, private-sector applicants must submit a working certificate as proof of employment in an eligible organization.
These amendments aim to enhance accessibility, prevent misuse, and streamline the registration process for eligible individuals.
