What is a 22 BH Number Plate? Eligibility, Cost, and Registration Process Explained

What is a 22 BH Number Plate and Why You Might Need It?

Ever noticed a vehicle with a 22 BH number plate and wondered what it's all about? The 22 BH number plate is an initiative by the Indian government to provide seamless vehicle registration and movement across states, especially for people who frequently relocate for work. In this article, we’ll dive into what a 22 BH number plate is, why it’s beneficial, who it’s for, how to apply for it, and the registration costs involved.

What is a 22 BH Number Plate?

The 22 BH series (short for 22 Bharat series) number plate was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India in 2021. It’s designed to make life easier for those who often move between states by removing the hassle of re-registering vehicles every time they relocate. With a 22 BH number plate, you have the freedom to drive across any state without worrying about state-specific registration issues.

Why is the 22 BH Number Plate Needed?

Traditionally, vehicles registered in one state need to undergo a lengthy process to re-register if moved permanently to another state. This process includes paying new road taxes and getting a fresh registration, which can be time-consuming and expensive. The 22 BH number plate eliminates this inconvenience by allowing the vehicle to remain registered at a national level, making it hassle-free for the owner to move from state to state.

Who Can Apply for a 22 BH Number Plate?

The 22 BH number plate is primarily aimed at individuals who are likely to move frequently due to their jobs. This includes:

1. Central and State Government Employees: Since these employees are often transferred across states, the 22 BH number plate provides much-needed flexibility.
2. Defense Personnel: Given their frequent relocations, defense personnel benefit from the seamless transferability.
3. Private Sector Employees: If you work for a company with offices in multiple states, you might also be eligible for a 22 BH number plate.
4. Other Professionals with Frequent Transfers: Employees of companies with a national or global footprint who may need to relocate for their roles.

Key Features of the 22 BH Number Plate

1. State-Neutral Registration: The 22 BH series is registered at the national level, so you don’t need to re-register your vehicle if you move to a new state.
2. Seamless Transferability: Easily relocate and take your vehicle across states without paperwork and fees related to re-registration.
3. Simplified Taxation: Road taxes for 22 BH plates are paid in smaller increments, often every two years, rather than as a one-time payment. This makes managing road tax costs more flexible.
4. Distinctive Number Plate Design: 22 BH plates have a unique design with the letters "22 BH," followed by numbers and letters, making them easily recognizable.

Does the Number Before 'BH' on a 22BH Number Plate Indicate a State or Something Else?

If you’ve ever spotted a 22BH number plate and wondered if the "22" represents a specific state or trying to find out "22BH number plate which states”, you’re not alone. The "22" doesn’t signify a state at all - it actually represents the year of registration. In this case, "22" indicates that the vehicle was registered in 2022. The "BH" stands for the Bharat Series, a unique pan-India vehicle registration initiative introduced to simplify interstate travel without the hassle of re-registration. Unlike traditional plates that tie vehicles to a particular state (like "MH" for Maharashtra or "DL" for Delhi), the Bharat Series is designed for flexibility and convenience, making it a game-changer for those who frequently relocate across states.

How to Apply for a 22 BH Number Plate?

The process of applying for a 22 BH number plate is straightforward:

1. Eligibility Verification: First, confirm that you’re eligible based on your employment status or the company’s eligibility for providing the service. You’ll typically need a transfer certificate or official employment ID.
2. Application Submission: Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your area and submit the application form along with the necessary documents (proof of employment, residence, and ID).
3. Choose the Payment Option: Select your preferred tax payment option, which is usually paid for two years at a time.
4. Processing Time: After submitting the documents and paying the fees, the RTO will process your application and issue the 22 BH number plate. This can take a few days to weeks, depending on the RTO’s processing speed.

Registration Process for 22 BH Number Plate

1. Documents Needed: Gather essential documents, including proof of employment, address proof, vehicle invoice, and ID proofs.
2. Submit Documents and Fees at RTO: Head to the RTO with the required documents and fees. RTO staff will verify your eligibility and paperwork.
3. Pay Road Tax in Installments: With the 22 BH number plate, road tax is paid in installments (every two years) instead of a one-time payment, providing greater flexibility in terms of cash flow.
4. Receive 22 BH Number Plate: Once everything is verified, the RTO will issue the 22 BH number plate for your vehicle.

What are the Costs Involved?

The cost of the 22 BH number plate depends on the value of the vehicle and the road tax for the region where it’s registered. Since road tax is paid every two years, rather than upfront, it provides more manageable payment options for owners. Generally, you can expect:

• For Cars Below INR 10 Lakhs: Road tax ranges around 8% for petrol and 10% for diesel vehicles.
• For Cars Between INR 10-20 Lakhs: Road tax is slightly higher, around 10-12% for petrol and 12-14% for diesel vehicles.
• For Luxury Cars Above INR 20 Lakhs: Road tax may range up to 15% or more, depending on the state.

The primary advantage of the 22 BH series is that you only pay the tax in two-year intervals, which keeps the financial burden lower if you don’t plan to keep the vehicle for an extended period.

Why Consider Getting a 22 BH Number Plate?

1. Save Time and Money on Re-Registration: If your job requires frequent relocations, you avoid re-registration fees and paperwork every time you move.
2. Flexibility in Payment: Road tax payment is broken into smaller, periodic payments, giving you more control over your budget.
3. Ease of Movement Across States: Forget the hassle of state-based vehicle registrations, making your life a lot easier if you’re constantly on the move.

Final Thoughts

The 22 BH number plate is a brilliant solution for professionals who frequently relocate, government employees, and defense personnel. With its many advantages - like simplified registration, flexible tax payment, and easy inter-state movement - it’s clear why the 22 BH series number plate is becoming a preferred choice for those eligible.

If you’re eligible, consider applying for a 22 BH number plate to enjoy a seamless driving experience across India!