Summary of the Most Important Points in Bus Advertising Law

Sixth Sense Media would like to summarize the most essential issues that every business should pay attention to when learning about bus advertising law. These include: banner sizes on buses, ad placement positions, ad content, and the notification dossier for advertising products.

The laws and regulations on bus advertising are clearly stated in the following legal provisions:

• Article 32: Advertising on means of transportation
• Article 29: Notification dossier for advertising products on billboards and banners
• Section 1. Advertising means: Requirements on content and advertising conditions
• Article 7: Products, goods, and services prohibited from advertising
• Article 8: Prohibited acts in advertising activities

For easier reference for readers and businesses, we have summarized all the key issues in bus advertising law as follows:

1. Bus advertising permit

According to the latest bus advertising regulations effective from January 1, 2013, bus advertising in particular and advertising on means of transportation in general no longer requires an advertising permit from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism as before.

Instead, businesses only need to submit a notification dossier of the advertising product and there is no additional cost for this process.

2. Ad placement on buses

Article 32 of the Advertising Law clearly stipulates:

“Advertising products must not be displayed on the front, back, or roof of a means of transportation.”

All buses carrying advertising must fully display: route number, starting point, ending point, basic route schedule, ticket price, and the operator’s phone number on the exterior of the bus.
Inside the bus, the route map, service regulations, and the operator’s contact number must also be displayed.
Bus ads must not cover or replace any of this mandatory information.

3. Banner size for bus advertising

Bus advertising law stipulates:

“Advertising products must not exceed 50% of each permitted advertising surface area of the vehicle.”

Depending on the city or province, the types and areas of advertising on the bus exterior may vary, such as body-side ads, full-window ads, or partial glass decals.

Approximate advertising sizes for each type are as follows:

• Bus body advertising: 8m² – 12m² / 2 advertising sides
• Full-window banner advertising: 10m² – 15m² / 2 advertising sides
• Glass climbing bus advertising: 15m² – 22m² / 2 advertising sides

These dimensions are approximate for reference and may vary depending on the specific bus model and type.

4. Content on advertising mock-ups

Advertising mock-ups must include Vietnamese content, except for:

• Proper names of foreign brands or documents in foreign languages or ethnic minority languages.
• When using both Vietnamese and foreign languages, the foreign text size must not exceed three-quarters of the Vietnamese text size and must be placed below the Vietnamese text.
• Advertising content must be truthful, accurate, clear, not violate customs or ethics, and not harm producers, businesses, or audiences.
• The government has separate regulations for advertising certain special products or services.
• Ads that use words like “best,” “only,” “number one,” or similar terms must have legal documents proving these claims.

5. Products prohibited from advertising on buses

When studying bus advertising law, investors must also be aware of the following products and services prohibited from advertising:

• Goods and services banned from business under the law.
• Tobacco.
• Alcohol with an alcohol content of 15 degrees or higher.
• Breast milk substitutes for children under 24 months, nutritional supplements for children under 6 months, feeding bottles, and artificial nipples.
• Prescription drugs; over-the-counter drugs that are restricted or require supervision as per regulations.
• Products or goods of a sexual nature.
• Hunting rifles, rifle ammunition, sports weapons, and products that incite violence.
• Other products, goods, and services prohibited from advertising as prescribed by the government in practice.

6. Advertising product notification dossier

Simplifying the advertising permit process for bus advertising brings significant benefits to businesses. However, investors still need to complete the advertising product notification dossier, including:

• A written notification of the advertising product specifying the content, duration, advertising location, and quantity of advertising products.
• A copy of the business registration certificate of the advertising service provider or the advertiser (if self-advertising).
• A copy of documents proving the product, goods, or service is certified to meet standards, technical regulations, or legal requirements for advertising.

7. Penalties for violations of bus advertising law

According to Decree No. 28/2017/ND-CP of the government:

“A fine from 2,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND shall be imposed for any of the following violations:

• Advertising on the front, back, or roof of a means of transportation.
• Advertising that exceeds the permitted surface area on each advertising side of a means of transportation.”

For detailed consultation, please contact us directly!

Conclusion

It can be said that complying with and implementing the legal regulations on advertising in general and bus advertising law in particular is extremely important. A successful advertising campaign not only brings effectiveness to businesses but must also strictly follow the laws and regulations of the State.

With over 15 years of experience and hundreds of projects implemented, more than anyone else, Sixth Sense Media understands bus advertising laws and how to execute them properly.
We provide and implement comprehensive advertising services, consulting and supporting investors throughout their projects from start to finish!

Sixth Sense Media JSC

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Tel: (0243) 237 3692
Hotline: 0982 513 898

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Tel: (08) 88 589 489
Hotline: 0934 519 516

Email: contact@ssm.vn