The 22-BH number plate is a vehicle registration in India under the Bharat (BH) series, a system of interstate vehicle registration created by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to enable vehicles to be registered for seamless interstate travel without needing to re-register in a different state. In addition, the RTO code for the year of registration (i.e., the '22' in '22-BH') assists in determining when the vehicle was registered in the BH series.
The BH series registration not only simplifies interstate travel but also helps in maintaining uniformity in vehicle records across India. Vehicle owners are still required to pay road tax periodically, and the registration allows for easy tracking of the vehicle’s compliance with state regulations. By using the BH series, authorities can efficiently manage vehicle data, while owners benefit from hassle-free movement between states without the need for re-registration or tax transfer.
Definition of the 22-BH Number
The '22-BH' number refers to any vehicle registered in 2022 in the Bharat series. The BH registration system was created to facilitate the transfer of vehicles across state lines and eliminate excessive administrative overhead for registering vehicles across states.
As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the BH series eliminates the need for re-registration when a vehicle owner relocates to another state.
Structure of the BH Series Registration Number
The 22-BH RTO code follows a standardized format:
YY BH #### XX
Where:
'YY' denotes the year of registration (e.g., '22' for 2022)
‘BH’ represents the Bharat series
It is a four-digit numeric code
‘XX’ consists of two random alphabetic characters
This uniform structure ensures nationwide consistency.
Key Characteristics of BH Series Registration
Features of the 22-BH registration system include the following:
Validity across all Indian states/Union Territories
Anti-re-registration when moving to a different state
Two-year/2-year increments of road tax
Digitisation of processes through VAHAN portal
These categories are defined by the MoRTH regulations governing the BH series as of 2021.
Interstate Transfer Rules Under BH Series
Vehicles with 22-BH plates do not need to undergo re-registration by the state.
Key requirements:
No new registration plates after leaving a state
Available to both private and commercial employees
Digital verification results in decreased processing time
The above provisions serve to enhance compliance and decrease the traditional R.T.O.'s delay in transferring vehicles.
Eligibility Criteria for BH Registration
The following groups are currently able to apply for 22-BH registration:
Central or State Government employees
Individuals who work for a company with an office in 4 or more states/ UTs
Members of the armed forces
The employer would also have to provide documentation showing their presence in multiple states, as required by MoRTH.
Cost Structure and Taxation Model
The structure for the road tax on a 22-BH vehicle is based on the use of a structured road tax system.
The method of calculating the road tax will be as follows:
Road tax will be based on the vehicle's invoice amount
Payment of taxes will be made for an initial two-year period (15 years for regular RTO registration)
Concessional rates are available for electric vehicles
Taxes for a vehicle are established by the MoRTH and may be anywhere from 8% to 12% of the vehicle's total cost, depending upon the vehicle's fuel type and the amount charged for fuel.
Required Documentation for 22-BH Number Application
Those wishing to receive a 22-BH certificate for vehicle registration must provide these documents to the registering authority:
PAN card of the vehicle owner
Aadhaar card for identity verification
Employment certificate (Form 60)
Official ID card issued by the employer
Proof of office presence in multiple states
These documents are verified digitally through government portals.
Application Process for BH Series Registration
The process to apply for a 22-BH RTO code requires:
Submission of application via the VAHAN portal
Upload of supporting documents
Employer verification (if applicable)
Payment of applicable road tax
Issuance of the BH series registration number
This process is regulated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways [MORTH]. All 22-BH registration processes are carried out through authorized RTO organizations.
Benefits of the 22-BH Number Plate System
The 22-BH licence plate offers utility benefits:
Avoids re-registering costs when moving
Simplifies compliance in multiple states
Allows for a flexible tax payment structure
Decreases the amount of time it takes to process
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its benefits, the RTO system has certain limitations:
Limited eligibility criteria
Frequent tax payments every two years
Not applicable to all private vehicle owners
Employer verification may delay processing
Final Thoughts
The 22-BH number plate system is a regulatory reform introduced to simplify vehicle registration across India. It allows seamless movement of vehicles between states without the need for re-registration or transfer of road tax, thereby improving administrative efficiency and making relocation easier for vehicle owners.
When opting for this system, it’s also important to choose the best car insurance policy to ensure your vehicle remains protected across different states without complications. However, participation in this system is subject to specific eligibility criteria, and vehicle owners are required to pay road tax periodically, which may involve renewals at defined intervals.
Explore More Articles to Read:
Guide to Different Types of Number Plates in India
How to Get 9999 VIP Number Plate: Cost, Eligibility & Rules
0001 Number Plate Price, Eligibility & How to Get It
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 23 BH?
A vehicle with “23 BH” registration belongs to the year 2023 under the Bharat series (BH) number plates.
What is special about BH number plates?
The main advantage of BH Number Plates (BH series) is that they allow for interstate movement of vehicles without the need for re-registration, as well as allowing for flexible payment of road tax.
What is the vehicle number starting with 22 in India?
A vehicle number starting with 22 represents registration in the year 2022 under the BH series format.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on current guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Rules, eligibility, and tax structures for BH series registration may change over time. Users are advised to verify details with official government sources or regional RTO authorities before making any decisions.
