Are Car Stickers Allowed in Dubai?

Want to personalize or advertise on your vehicle in Dubai, but are uncertain of the legalities? This updated article answers the most debated question: are car stickers allowed in Dubai, navigating through its legalities, rules, restrictions, and penalties for violation. It also offers you practical, compliance tips & steps to acquire permission legally.

Car stickers can be an ideal way to personalize or advertise your business in Dubai. However, the UAE’s strict traffic regulations apply to ensure road safety and compliance. So, let’s dive in to learn everything from allowances to application processes & legally flaunt car stickers in the Emirate.

Are Car Stickers illegal in Dubai?

No, car stickers are not illegal in Dubai if and only if you have explicit permission from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai or relevant authorities. All authorized car stickers are legal and allowed in the Emirates.

Here are the two categories of stickers you can use in your vehicle, after obtaining an RTA permit or related permission from Dubai authorities:

• Personal Stickers: Allowed if non-offensive and non-obstructive.

• Commercial/Advertising Stickers: business logos, ads, or branding.

Car Sticker Rules & Restrictions

Having established that car stickers are allowed in Dubai with permission, it is governed by a specific set of rules and regulations. Under the updated Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (effective March 29, 2025), all stickers—personal or commercial—require prior approval to avoid fines. 

Stickers must not compromise safety or violate cultural norms, outlined in these guidelines:

• Placement: Drivers must not place decals or stickers on windscreens, rear windows (if they block your view), or number plates. For non-commercial purposes, your stickers cannot cover more than 25% of the vehicle's body.

• Size Limits: You must limit brand logos to a maximum height of 20cm. You also need to get specific approvals from the authorities for a complete vehicle wrap.

• Content Rules: Commercial advertisements must include a minimum of 50% Arabic text that matches the name on your trade license. You need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the police before using 3D images, photos of real people, or stickers that change the color of your vehicle.

• Vehicle Types: The regulations for vehicle stickers vary depending on the vehicle type. Authorities have different rules for light vehicles, buses, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers.

Prohibited Car Stickers Dubai

You cannot use every type of car sticker in the UAE, where the strict regulations bound the socio-cultural spectrum. The UAE’s social & cultural aspects play significant roles in determining which car stickers are allowed and which aren’t. Here are some common car stickers that Dubai authorities strictly ban:

• Offensive, obscene, political, or religious content/symbols.

• Flags of countries (except limited UAE flags).

• Smoking symbols, immoral images, or languages beyond Arabic/English.

• Mimicking official markings, exceeding size limits, or obstructing views.

Penalties for Sticker Violations

It’s well known that the Emirates top stringent laws with stricter & heavier violation penalties. So, you must expect definite fines for violating car sticker rules in Dubai. Below is the categorization of the car sticker penalty for violation:

• Standard Fine: AED 500 per unauthorized sticker, per day if not removed (under Ministerial Resolution No. 178/2017, unchanged in 2025).

• Severe Cases: Up to AED 2,000, vehicle impoundment, and/or black points if obstructing safety.

• Enforcement: Dubai Police campaigns target unauthorized mods; fines are issued during inspections or patrols.

These are the general fines for car sticker violations in Dubai. Dubai authorities can cite variable fines, depending on the situation and other parameters mentioned above.

How to Get Permission for Car Stickers

We’ve clearly established that permission is key to legally applying stickers to vehicles in Dubai. So, how do you obtain/get permission for your car stickers? Take a look at these practical steps:

Applying for an RTA vehicle advertising permit (for ads) or general approval via online/app:

1. Log in to the RTA website/app with UAE Pass.

2. Select Vehicle Advertising Permit or similar service.

3. Upload design mock-up, trade license (if commercial), vehicle details.

4. Pay fees (AED 100 to AED 2,500 annually, plus AED 20 innovation fee).

5. Await approval (3–7 days).

Once you get approval from the RTA Dubai, you’re ready to print and display your ad stickers in your vehicle.

Important Note: For personal stickers, consult RTA centers or Dubai Police for quick checks. Generally, you’ll obtain permits valid for 1 year, with a renewable option.

Latest Updates and Compliance Tips

Sticker rules in Dubai have been constant for a few years now and probably will remain the same for a few more. The latest Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2024 focuses on overall safety but retains sticker rules; expect AI-enhanced enforcement for violations. The rules are simple and easily comprehensible.

For the compliance tips, make sure you adhere to the following:

1. Always apply for a vehicle advertising permit from the RTA before placing any sticker, whether personal or commercial, to avoid fines.

2. Ensure at least 50% of the content is in Arabic for ads, and match the trade name to your license exactly.

3. Avoid prohibited elements like smoking symbols, country flags, religious symbols, 3D images, real people photos, or offensive/political content.

4. Do not place stickers on windscreens, rear windows (if blocking view), license plates, lights, reflectors, or areas that impair driver safety or visibility.

5. Stick to RTA-approved vinyl, printing materials, and designs to ensure durability, safety, and compliance; consult professional agencies for guidance.

6. Permits are valid for a year; renew on time and update if vehicle details change. Remove any unauthorized stickers immediately.

7. Stay informed of the updated car sticker regulations through the Dubai authorities' official channels and social media.

FAQs:

1. Do I need a separate RTA permit for each individual sticker?

No, you need a single RTA permit for all stickers on a single vehicle. The permit is issued for the vehicle and its specific design, not per sticker.

2. What if I want a temporary sticker, like for a sporting event?

You must still obtain a permit. The RTA offers specific permits for temporary advertising and promotional events, which require an application that includes the event details and duration.

3. Are car stickers from other emirates, like Abu Dhabi, valid in Dubai?

Federal laws apply across the UAE, but vehicle advertising and modification permits are handled by each emirate's authority (e.g., RTA in Dubai). Therefore, a sticker approved in another emirate may not be considered valid in Dubai, and you should seek permission from the Dubai RTA to ensure compliance.

4. Can I get a fine for a sticker I bought from a shop that says it's RTA-approved?

Yes, you can be fined. It is the vehicle owner's responsibility to obtain and present a valid RTA permit for any sticker or modification. A shop's claim of approval does not absolve you of this responsibility.

5. Can I paste stickers on a rental car?

No. You should not paste any stickers on a rental car without explicit permission from the rental company. Most rental agreements strictly prohibit any form of vehicle modification, including the application of stickers, wraps, or decals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Dubai's roads may seem strict, personalizing your vehicle with car stickers is entirely possible, provided you follow the rules. The key takeaway is simple: permission is non-negotiable. By securing an explicit permit from the RTA, adhering to strict guidelines on placement and content, and steering clear of prohibited symbols, you can legally and safely express yourself or promote your business.

The Emirates values both road safety and cultural respect, and a quick check with the authorities ensures your vehicle modifications are a source of pride, not a reason for fines. Stay informed of the latest regulations and drive with confidence, knowing you've done everything by the book. Do share any car sticker-related experiences in the comments to help out fellow readers.