Residents Fined AED 500 for Unauthorized Car Stickers

In Dubai, car owners are being fined AED 500 for placing unauthorized stickers or writing phrases on their vehicles without prior permission. This enforcement is part of Dubai’s commitment to maintaining road safety, ensuring uniformity, and upholding city aesthetics. The regulation, under the Dubai Traffic Law, applies to both temporary and permanent stickers, slogans, and graphics that have not been officially approved by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Why Unauthorized Car Stickers Are Fined

Dubai has a long-standing focus on safety and aesthetics in public spaces, including roads. Unauthorized vehicle stickers can lead to distractions on the road, obscure visibility, and even contribute to unauthorized advertising. Fines are issued to discourage these practices and maintain the city’s visual standards.

While personal and cultural expressions are valued in Dubai, unauthorized stickers often lead to public complaints, especially if slogans or messages could be perceived as controversial or offensive. As a result, drivers who want to personalize their vehicles with decals, messages, or even business advertisements must first seek approval from the RTA.

RTA Requirements for Vehicle Modifications

The RTA’s regulations specify that any modification to a vehicle’s exterior, including stickers or written slogans, must be approved beforehand. This regulation applies to both residents and businesses. To seek approval, car owners need to apply through the RTA’s official website or app, submit the details of their intended vehicle modifications, and pay a nominal fee. Approved designs often include business logos for commercial vehicles or discreet, decorative elements that align with RTA guidelines.

Without this approval, displaying stickers or text on a vehicle is considered a violation under the Dubai Traffic Law, which can lead to a fine of AED 500 and, in some cases, the removal of the unauthorized modifications at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Popular Types of Unauthorized Stickers

Stickers that commonly attract fines include:

• Promotional or Brand Stickers: These are often used by businesses for advertising.
• Personal Slogans or Sayings: While popular, these require prior approval.
• Offensive Messages or Images: These may be deemed inappropriate for public display.

How to Avoid Fines

To avoid fines, residents should follow these steps:

1. Check RTA Guidelines: Refer to the RTA website for vehicle modification guidelines.
2. Apply for Approval: Submit details of the intended sticker or writing via the RTA’s app or website.
3. Wait for Approval: Only proceed once you receive official permission to add the sticker.