The Government of Himachal Pradesh on March 20, 2026, issued the Nagar Panchayat Amb Outdoor Advertisement Bye-laws 2026.
The key provisions are as stated:
Permission Requirement:
No advertisement can be displayed within the city without prior written permission from the Secretary. However, limited exemptions are allowed for newspaper ads, election-related notices, business-related displays within premises, property sale notices, and government activities.
Prohibitions & Restrictions:
Hoardings and banners are strictly prohibited on highways, footpaths, trees, water sources, sharp turns, and ecologically sensitive areas. Size is capped at 30 sq. meters, and rooftop advertisements require special permission. Defacing public or natural structures is not allowed.
Road Safety Criteria:
Advertisements must not distract drivers, obstruct visibility, imitate traffic signals, or interfere with traffic control devices. Placement in high-risk zones like intersections, bends, or merging lanes is restricted.
Physical & Lighting Controls:
Flashing, moving, or rotating advertisements are prohibited. Lighting must be downward-facing, non-glare, and reduced or switched off between 11 PM and sunrise. Bright or emergency-like colors (red/blue/amber) are not permitted.
Content Restrictions:
Advertisements must not include nudity, violence, drugs, tobacco, defamatory or obscene content, or anything prohibited by law. Content promoting discrimination, exploitation, or misuse of national symbols is banned.
Prohibited Areas & Zoning:
Authorities may restrict or regulate advertisements in public places, parks, and designated zones. Zoning plans will define permissible advertisement types and locations.
Categories of Advertisements:
Devices are classified into four categories: large billboards, public utility-based ads, transport-related ads, and self-advertising in commercial areas.
Structural & Safety Norms:
All structures must comply with Indian safety standards and be certified by structural engineers. They should withstand wind, earthquakes, and other conditions, and be properly maintained.
Electricity & Environment:
Only safe electrical connections are allowed; generators causing pollution are prohibited. Use of renewable energy (e.g., solar) attracts fee concessions.
Permissions & Application Process:
Applications must include NOC, design plans, and safety certification. Decisions are to be made within 30 days, failing which approval is deemed granted subject to conditions.
Tender & Licensing:
Large advertisements on municipal property are allotted through tenders, generally for 3 years. Terms include reserve price, size, location, and revenue considerations.
Fees & Charges:
Advertisement fees must be paid in advance and are based on size, category, and duration. No display is allowed without payment of applicable fees.
Penalties & Enforcement:
Violations attract fines (₹500 per day up to ₹10,000). Illegal hoardings can be removed after notice, or immediately if they pose public danger.
Dispute Resolution & Jurisdiction:
Disputes are referred to the Deputy Commissioner as arbitrator. Jurisdiction lies with local civil courts.
Liability & Insurance:
Advertisers must indemnify the authority against damages and maintain public liability insurance for large advertisement structures.
Removal of Illegal Ads:
Unauthorized hoardings may be removed by the authority at the defaulter’s cost, with prior notice unless urgent removal is required for safety.
These Bye-laws shall come into force with immediate effect within the limits of Amb Nagar Panchayat.
