Dubai: How to Obtain an RTA Permit for Vehicle Advertising and Company Logos

For companies considering advertising on vehicles in Dubai, there are specific legal requirements and procedures to follow to ensure compliance.

Unauthorized vehicle stickers can incur fines, but companies can legally promote their business by applying for a permit through Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This guide explains the requirements, process, and regulations for advertising on vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles.

Legal Requirements

According to UAE law, unauthorized stickers on vehicles are prohibited and can lead to fines of Dh500. While certain stickers, like reflective ones on heavy vehicles, are mandatory, promotional vehicle stickers require specific authorization. Companies interested in vehicle-based advertising need to apply for a permit through the RTA and follow defined guidelines, This includes a commitment to ensuring that Arabic comprises at least half of the advertisement, matching the company’s trade name to the one on its trade license, and getting approval if a vehicle’s color is altered as part of the advertising design.

Steps to Apply

The procedure starts with a username and password login onto the RTA website. Following their choice of "Advertising on Vehicles" from the "Permit" menu, the user must upload required paperwork including a design mock-up of the vehicle with the advertisement, a trade license copy issued in Dubai, and a letter asking permission for the advertisement. 

Once the application is submitted, the RTA conducts a technical review, providing an update via SMS and email, If approved the applicant can complete payment either online or in person at designated RTA Customer Happiness Centers and then print the permit through the RTA Advertising System.

Required Documents

To complete the application, certain documents must be provided:

• Vehicle Design Mock-Up: A detailed design of the advertisement, showing each side of the vehicle.
• Trade License Copy: A valid Dubai-issued trade license.
• Bank Details: An IBAN statement and bank letter confirming the applicant’s account.
• For trailers, an additional license with an advertising activity clause is required. If the vehicle is rented, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the leasing company is also mandatory.

Fees and Categories

The RTA has a fee schedule depending on the type and extent of advertising. For instance:

• Logo on Front Doors: Dh250 per year.
• Full Wrap (Light Vehicle): Dh1,000 annually, covering the vehicle except windows.
• Partial Wrap (Light Vehicle): Dh500 annually.
• Trailers/Semi-Trailers: Dh50,000 per year for mobile advertisements.
• A Dh20 innovation and knowledge fee applies, and processing typically takes three to seven days.

Terms and Conditions

Applicants must adhere to strict content regulations and design guidelines, Some of the key terms include:

Arabic Language Requirement: At least 50% of the content must be in Arabic, with the company’s Arabic trade name matching its trade license.
NOC Requirements: Certain advertisements, especially those for real estate or involving a color change on the vehicle, may require a No Objection Certificate from relevant authorities, like the Dubai Land Department.
Approval from Dubai Police: Required if the vehicle’s original color is altered for advertising purposes.
Companies that are part of Dubai SME may be eligible for a 50% discount on permit fees if they submit an official letter with their application.

Design Guidelines

Dubai’s regulations also enforce specific design standards:

• Restricted Images: Smoking symbols, flags, religious symbols, real people’s images, and 3D designs are not allowed.
• Placement Restrictions: Advertisements must avoid the front windscreen and limit the number of images to five per side.
• Language Limitations: Besides Arabic and English, other languages are prohibited.
• Moreover, companies must ensure the ad content aligns with the activities listed on their trade license, and activities outside these aren’t permitted in the advertisement.

Renewal and Replacement

Should a permit be lost or damaged, the applicant has to pay Dh100 to replace it; changes to permit data also incur this replacement cost.
Although advertising on automobiles is a different approach to promote a company, businesses must follow these advised procedures and rules to keep compliance. Making sure applications are comprehensive and all requirements are satisfied will enable businesses to take use of Dubai's rich advertising prospects free from fines.