The Maharashtra transport department has issued a stern directive to Regional Transport Offices (RTOs): immediately seize Bharat (BH) series-registered vehicles if their owners have outstanding road tax payments. This move signifies a significant tightening of enforcement against tax defaulters, particularly those who have not kept up with the unique two-year installment payment structure of BH-series registrations.
New Enforcement and Penalties
Unlike standard vehicle registrations, which typically require a one-time road tax payment for 15 years, BH-series vehicles operate on a recurring two-year tax payment cycle. This structure, designed to facilitate easier vehicle transfers for individuals with transferable jobs, has led to compliance gaps, prompting the state to implement stricter controls.
Following discussions at a state-level transport department meeting in late July, RTOs have been instructed to conduct inspections and seize vehicles belonging to defaulters on sight. A grace period of seven days is provided for owners to clear their dues after the two-year term expires. However, once this period lapses, significant penalties are imposed: an interest charge of 2% on the outstanding amount, coupled with a late fee of ₹100 per day. These charges can accumulate rapidly, especially for higher-value vehicles.
Who Qualifies for BH-Series Registration?
The BH-series registration scheme, outlined under Rule 51B of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, is available to specific categories of individuals. This includes employees of government and semi-government bodies, as well as those working for private companies that maintain offices in four or more states or Union Territories across India.
The primary objective of the BH-series was to simplify the process of vehicle relocation for professionals who frequently move between states. It eliminates the need for repeated vehicle re-registration and fresh road tax payments every time an owner transfers to a new state, offering considerable convenience.
Implications for BH-Series Owners
While Maharashtra had recorded 13,625 BH-series vehicle registrations by mid-December 2022, and this number is believed to have grown substantially since, RTO authorities currently lack real-time data on the exact count and compliance status. This new directive serves as a clear warning to all BH-series vehicle owners in Maharashtra: maintaining current road tax payments is crucial. Failure to do so could result in immediate vehicle confiscation during routine roadside checks or depot inspections, underscoring the state's resolve to enforce tax compliance rigorously.