Insights

How to Create an RTA-Approved Vehicle Branding Mockup: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

 

Creating an RTA-approved vehicle branding  mockup is more than just placing a logo on a car image. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has strict visual and technical requirements to ensure safety, readability, and brand clarity on public roads.

This blog explains the entire workflow, from preparing vehicle photos to submitting final mockups for approval. It also compares the best software tools and highlights common mistakes to avoid, making it ideal for designers, print vendors, and business owners.

 

Why RTA-Approved Vehicle Branding Mockups Matter

Before a vehicle can display branding in Dubai, it must pass RTA’s review. Mockups are required to:

•   Show exact placement of branding

•   Confirm visibility and readability

•   Ensure no restricted areas are covered

•Validate design consistency across all sides

A clean, professional mockup significantly improves approval speed and reduces rejection risks.

Full Workflow: From Vehicle Photos to RTA Submission

Step 1: Choose the Right Vehicle Template

           Selecting the correct base vehicle is critical.

Best practices:

    •    Match the exact model and year (e.g., Toyota Hiace, Nissan Urvan)

    •    Use realistic proportions

    •    Avoid generic or cartoon-style templates

Options:

    •  Official manufacturer images

    •  Stock mockup libraries

    •  Custom photos of the actual vehicle

Tip: If the vehicle fleet has variations, create separate mockups for each model.

Step 2: Capture or Source Proper Vehicle Photos

RTA typically expects clear visibility of all branding sides.

Required views:

   •  Side view (left & right if branding differs)

   •  Front view

   •  Rear view

Photo guidelines:

Neutral background (white, grey, or outdoor plain wall)

Vehicle fully visible (no cropping)

 •   No reflections, shadows, or people blocking surfaces

 •   Step 3: Prepare Vehicle Photos for Mockups

 •   Before adding branding, photos must be cleaned and optimized.

Key preparation steps:

Lighting: Even brightness, no harsh glare

 •   Angle correction: Straight perspective (no tilt)

 •   Background removal: Clean cutouts using Pen Tool or AI masking

 •   Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for clarity

Clean photos ensure logos and text look realistic and professional.

Step 4: Add Logo, Text, and Contact Info Correctly

This is the most critical part of RTA compliance.

Design rules to follow:

 •  Place branding only on approved body panels

 •  Avoid windows, headlights, and license plates

 •  Keep high contrast between text and vehicle color

 •  Ensure phone numbers and URLs are legible from distance

Recommended content:

• Company logo

• Brand name

• Contact number / website

• Optional service description (short and clear)

Always scale logos proportionally—never stretch or distort.

Step 5: Maintain Consistency Across All Views

RTA reviewers compare all sides carefully.

Consistency checklist:

     •   Same logo size across views

     •   Aligned text placement

     •   Matching colors and fonts

     •   Equal spacing from edges and handles

Misalignment between views is a common reason for rejection.

Step 6: Export Mockups in RTA-Required Formats

Although requirements may vary slightly, standard expectations include:

Common export formats:

  •   PDF (preferred for submission)

  •   High-resolution JPG or PNG

  •   CMYK color mode (print accuracy)

File naming tip:

        Use clear names such as:
    CompanyName_VehicleModel_SideView.pdf

Best Software to Create RTA Vehicle Branding Mockups

Photoshop

Best for: Photo-realistic mockups

  •   Smart Objects for wraps

  •   Advanced masking and shadows

  •   Industry standard for approvals

Limitations: Raster-based (scaling requires care)

Illustrator

Best for: Vector-accurate layouts

   •   Perfect logo scaling

   •   Clean typography

   •   Ideal for print alignment

Limitations: Less realistic photo blending

CorelDRAW

Best for: Print-focused workflows

   •   Popular with sign and wrap printers

   •   Strong layout tools

Limitations: Less common among digital agencies

Canva

Best for: Quick previews

 •   Easy to use

 •   Limited customization

Limitations:
❌ Not recommended for final RTA submission

3D Mockup Tools

Best for: Presentations and client previews

    •   Realistic angles and lighting

    •   Rotatable views

Limitations:

   •  Often not accepted alone for RTA

   •   Should be paired with flat mockups

Common Mistakes That Delay RTA Approval

• Branding placed on windows or windshields

• Low-resolution logos

• Inconsistent mockups between sides

• Missing rear or front views

• Incorrect vehicle model used

Avoiding these mistakes can cut approval time in half.

 

FAQs About RTA Vehicle Branding Mockups

 

1. Does RTA require real vehicle photos or templates?
Both are accepted, but real photos often improve approval chances.

2. Are 3D mockups accepted by RTA?
They can support submissions but should not replace flat views.

3. Can I submit one side view only?
No. RTA usually requires side, front, and rear views.

4. Is Canva acceptable for RTA mockups?
Only for drafts. Professional tools are strongly recommended.

5. What resolution is best for submission?
High-resolution (300 DPI) mockups are safest.

6. Can branding cover the entire vehicle?
Only approved body panels—windows and safety markings must remain clear.

Conclusion

Creating an RTA-approved vehicle branding mockup requires precision, planning, and the right tools. From choosing accurate vehicle templates and preparing clean photos to placing branding correctly and exporting compliant files, every step matters.

By following this structured workflow and using professional design software, you can dramatically increase approval success—saving time, money, and frustration.