There’s a rising trend of using vehicles for advertisement, according to the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, BCTA. However, the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021 prohibits the display of inappropriate billboards, banners and stickers on vehicles. To raise awareness about these regulations and enhance enforcement, the BCTA in collaboration with the traffic division conducted vehicle inspections in the capital today. Moving forward, the traffic division will inspect vehicles weekly and impose fines on those who violate the regulations.
According to Section 423 of the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021, the display of inappropriate billboard, banners and stickers on the vehicle body is not allowed. In exceptional cases, approval must be obtained from the Authority.
According to the BCTA, stickers and banners placed on windshields, windows, or rearview mirrors can block the driver’s view, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs, which increases the risk of accidents.
At the inspection today, a few vehicle owners displaying inappropriate stickers were fined.
People have expressed mixed reactions to the initiative.
“The regulations on displaying billboards and stickers on vehicle bodies have been in place for some time. We don’t mind the inspections because these rules benefit us,” said Kuenzang Wangdi, a taxi driver.
“Using black stickers on window glass is beneficial for passengers as it provides shade from the sun,” said Dawa, another taxi driver.
“Sometimes we have to remove stickers during highway checkings and we also get fined. I think it would be better if vehicles were used as intended by the company and not for advertising,” said Pushpalal Adhikari, a resident.
The inspection also focused on alterations and modifications to vehicles that could compromise their durability and stability. These include changes to brake and exhaust systems, and lighting and any unlawful vehicle modifications.
The authority also inspected stopping or parking of vehicles in restricted areas on the road.
The initiative is intended to promote road safety, reduce traffic congestion and ensure a smoother and more efficient traffic flow. Similar initiatives will soon be carried out nationwide.
Tashi Chezom
Edited by Sonam Pem
