Bengaluru lifts ban on outdoor advertisements

For the first time in seven years, the state government has lifted the ban on outdoor advertisements in Bengaluru. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has finalized and notified the BBMP Advertisement By-laws 2024, allowing billboards and flex hoardings on city roads and public spaces. This move comes despite earlier intentions outlined in the 2018 Outdoor Advertising and Public Messaging By-laws, which aimed to keep the cityscape clean. Many now see the new policy as favoring advertisers over the city’s aesthetics, sparking concerns among urban planners.

Under the new rules, various types of advertisements—on buildings, kiosks, sandwich boards, neon signs, and hoardings—will be permitted within specified size limits and only in designated areas. However, key locations like religious places, heritage structures, flyovers, national parks, and ecologically sensitive zones will remain off-limits. Each road category has specific ad-size allowances, ranging from 500 to 3,000 sq. ft. The guidelines also ban misleading ads, vulgar or violent content, and promotions of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. Advertisements must not obstruct traffic views or mimic road signs.

Only licensed and BBMP-registered ad agencies can bid for display rights. A non-refundable ₹5 lakh registration fee is mandatory. Agencies with outstanding dues are barred from participating. Unauthorized advertisements will attract double penalties. BBMP also reserves the right to seize movable property or freeze bank accounts in case of non-payment. Ad revenues from BMRCL-owned properties will be shared equally between BBMP and BMRCL. Even advertisements on government or private vehicles will now attract BBMP fees.