Prohibited content in vehicle ads: what to leave off
Before printing, check your design against the main rules on prohibited content in vehicle ads in Saudi Arabia. The national flag may not be used as a trademark or for commercial advertising under the Law of the Flag. Saudi authorities have also restricted the commercial use of national, religious and sectarian symbols and images of the country’s leaders. Vehicle signs also need a licence. This article is general guidance, not legal advice.
Why this matters for a fleet
A design printed on 90 vehicles is expensive to undo. If an element breaks a rule, the problem is multiplied across the fleet. Checking content before printing is cheaper than removing stickers later.
Elements to remove or rethink
| Element | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Saudi national flag | May not be used as a trademark or for commercial advertising | Law of the Flag (Saudipedia) |
| National, religious and sectarian symbols | Commercial use restricted, including in advertising materials | News report, Nov 2024 |
| Images and names of Saudi leaders | Restricted on printed and promotional materials | Same report |
For National Day branding, use your own colours and wording rather than the flag itself.
The licence itself
According to Balady’s FAQ, a licence for a sign on a vehicle needs approval from the municipality and from traffic, and the service is for commercial establishments with a valid commercial registration. Our earlier article covers whether you need a permit in more detail. Requirements can change, so confirm on Balady before you apply.
Talk to us. Send us your vehicle count and how long they will stay in service, and we will send a 5-year cost comparison based on your own fleet numbers.
Designs that reflect your identity, materials made for our climate · Al Omari Agency on YouTube
How we handle this on large projects
For the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, we branded 90 vehicles with 3M inside and outside Riyadh, in batches over a year and a half. Government branding brings its own approval steps, so the approved design is locked before the first batch is printed. That is also how consistency is kept across every vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Can we put the Saudi flag on company vehicles for National Day?
The Law of the Flag prohibits using the flag for commercial advertising. Use your brand colours and a National Day message instead, and check current guidance from the authorities.
Who applies for the vehicle sign licence?
The establishment that owns the vehicles, through Balady. Requirements can change, so check the platform before applying.
