Dubai’s business market has experienced a huge spike in competition in recent times. With new businesses growing larger and capturing big portions of the limited Dubai market, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain your position in the market.
To survive in this competitive market, businesses in Dubai have to implement all types of advertising methods to keep their business afloat. Among these advertisement methods, one of the most effective ways of promoting a business is vehicle branding in Dubai.
Vehicle branding has become a very popular way of promoting a business that has boosted the sales figures of several businesses in Dubai. However, there are certain rules implemented by the Dubai government that need to be adhered to by all Dubai businesses while using vehicle branding.
So, keep reading to learn about Dubai’s vehicle branding permits, regulations, and fines.
Law Regarding Vehicle Branding Permits In Dubai
All the laws that are concerned with vehicle branding in Dubai are governed under RTA Law No. (14) of 2010. This law is the foundation of the legal framework that surrounds vehicle branding in Dubai. It includes:
- Vehicles allowed for branding
- Size and placement of the branding
- Content restrictions for the branding
Under the provisions of this vehicle branding law, all forms of vehicle advertising done by a business must be approved by the RTA before application on a vehicle. Any vehicle advertisement done without the RTA approval will result in penalties and punishments. Only vehicle types mentioned within this law are allowed to be branded, which include:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Motorcycles
This law also dictates the size and placement of the vehicle branding. Any content used in vehicle branding must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or misleading content. Any logos, trademarks, or other copyrighted material being used on your vehicle’s branding in Dubai must comply with the intellectual property rights of the copyright holders.
Important Regulations to Remember from RTA
Now that we have looked at the general guidelines by the RTA, let’s look at which one of these we need to remember when trying to do advertising through vehicle branding. The first regulation for vehicle branding that we need to keep in mind is that only a few vehicle types are allowed to be used for vehicle branding.
The rule mentions 3 broad categories of vehicles that you can legally use for branding purposes which include:
- Passenger Cars – These can include all types of cars that are used by the common public for transportation.
- Commercial Vehicles – This category includes a wide range of vehicles like buses, trucks, construction vehicles, and other mechanical equipment. The rules regarding partial or full vehicle wraps are different for each one of these.
- Motorcycles – Motorcycles also include Quad Bikes.
As long as your branding efforts are restricted to these vehicles, you comply with the RTA rules in Dubai. The second rule that is important to remember is the restrictions on the size and placement of the vehicle branding. This category has unique rules for each type of vehicle so make sure to look for the rules that pertain to your fleet of vehicles.
The third important rule to remember is with regards to the copyright of any logos or images being used in the vehicle branding. You are required to obtain all the necessary permits for vehicle branding along with payment of fees for the use of any copyrighted work in your vehicle branding. The fourth important rule to remember is the language of your branding.
In Dubai, only Arabic and English are allowed for vehicle advertisements. Finally, make sure that your vehicle branding does not involve any obscene or inappropriate material as is provided under the RTA rules. Always keep in mind that not complying with any of these rules can lead to severe fines and charges which will vary depending on:
- Type of Vehicle
- Size of Vehicle Branding
- Miscellaneous Factors
So, make sure you are not violating any RTA rules in Dubai.
Validity and Payment for Vehicle Advertisement Permit in Dubai
To obtain a vehicle branding permit in Dubai, businesses are required to pay a designated fee as provided under the RTA rules. The amount that needs to be paid will be different for each business which is decided based on the following factors:
- Type of Vehicle Fleet
- Full or Partial Wrap
The fee amount is in AED and has to be paid in this currency. Make sure you check the RTA rules pertaining to vehicle branding permit fees as the amount can change over time. Once obtained, the vehicle branding permit remains valid for a period of 1 year, after which it needs to be renewed to keep the permit active.
To renew the vehicle branding permit, the same fees need to be submitted to RTA on an annual basis. The payment of Permit fees can be made to the RTA through the following modes:
- Internet Banking – You can pay the permit fees through the use of your credit or debit card while also submitting any necessary details about the vehicle and appropriate documents.
- In-Person – To submit the fees in person, visit the RTA Customer Happiness Centers along with all the necessary documents relating to your vehicle.
- Mobile App – The Dubai Drive App can also be used to submit your annual vehicle branding permit fees as long as you are a registered user of the app.
Remember that all of these payments can only be made in the AED currency.
Penalties for Violating the RTA Rules
As mentioned previously Violation of RTA regulations will result in fines and other forms of punishment. The RTA can impose a fine amounting to AED 50,000 for violations of their rules on any business in Dubai. Along with fines, the RTA can also give suspension on the vehicle branding permit on your vehicle for up to six months.
In certain cases, the RTA can also impound your vehicle till the time you correct the mistakes with your compliance with the RTA rules in Dubai. These are very serious punishments and businesses in Dubai need to avoid violations and ensure compliance with the regulations at all times.
So, make sure that your business obtains all the necessary permits for RTA and copyright holders along with having the right size and placement of your vehicle wraps on your vehicle fleet, and ensuring that no misinformation is being displayed on the advertisement along with no obscene or inappropriate material.
Conclusion
Vehicle branding in Dubai can boost a business to a higher position in the market in the most efficient way possible. With limitless options and wide coverage, vehicle branding has made several businesses in Dubai a success.
However, there are plenty of vehicle branding rules and regulations imposed by the Dubai government and if these are not complied with, then the business may face serious issues.
So, if you are in search of a vehicle branding company in Dubai that help you with achieving the perfect vehicle branding strategy while also ensuring your compliance with the Dubai government’s rules, contact Printzone today.
