Pune: RTO Witnesses 46% Decline in Applicants for Special BH Series Registration Numbers
Pune: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has recorded a sharp 46% decline in applications for the special BH (Bharat) series vehicle registration numbers in the financial year 2024-25, compared to 2023-24. The data provided by the RTO also shows a slight 2% dip in applicants opting for choice or customized registration numbers during the same period.
The BH series registration numbers, once seen as a status symbol among vehicle owners, seem to have lost their appeal, possibly due to recent regulatory changes. RTO officials pointed out that these changes might have contributed to the decline.
“These numbers can only be issued to central, state, or private sector employees whose organizations have more than five branches across India. Moreover, only one vehicle per eligible owner can now be allotted the BH series number. Even if an applicant works in a company with multiple branches, they must prove their liability to be transferred to different states,” an RTO official told TOI on condition of anonymity.
The BH series number begins with the year of first registration, followed by the letters BH, a randomly selected four-digit number, and two alphabets. A significant advantage of the BH series is the flexibility of paying road tax every two years, instead of a lump sum for 15 years under the regular system.
Another official explained that the drop in registrations was also due to strict document verification procedures. “Earlier, many applicants tried to get BH numbers without fulfilling eligibility criteria. The tightened checks have led to many rejections,” the official added.
Despite the drop in BH series applicants, the revenue from customized or special number plates has increased, even with a negligible 2% dip in applicants. In FY 2024-25, the RTO collected around ₹59 crore from 51,567 applicants for special numbers, compared to ₹44 crore from 52,473 applicants in FY 2023-24.
Effect of Stricter Rules on BH Series Registration
Custom Number Plate Registration Revenue
