Egypt introduces energy-efficiency rules for roadside billboards

Egypt on Thursday introduced new restrictions on illuminated roadside advertisements, limiting operating hours and brightness levels as the government seeks to curb electricity consumption while preserving investment in the advertising sector.

The rules, drafted by the Cabinet-affiliated National Authority for Regulating Advertising on Public Roads and approved by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, ban the use of advertising lighting during daylight hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and impose a midnight-to-5 a.m. shutdown on both internal and main roads, with limited exemptions for tourist zones and areas specifically approved by the government.

Authorities will enforce the measures when issuing or renewing licences, with penalties for violations including operating during blackout periods or failing to comply with brightness and control system requirements.

“These controls are no longer optional—they are a national necessity,” said Iman Nabil, chief executive of the authority, describing the framework as a balance between energy efficiency, investment support, and maintaining economic activity in the advertising sector.

The regulations require advertisers to rely on design and materials—not artificial lighting—for daytime visibility, and encourage the use of automated or timer-based systems to prevent unnecessary operation.

Only ads equipped with light sensors and automatic dimming systems are exempt from the daytime ban, provided brightness is cut to no more than half of operating capacity—equivalent to 4 per cent at night and 37.5 per cent during the day—without manual intervention.

All billboards must use high-efficiency LED lighting with strong lumen output to minimise power consumption and maintenance costs. Digital screens and internal pixel units must meet similar efficiency standards, while cooling systems—including fans, air conditioning, and ventilation—must also be energy-efficient to reduce long-term electricity use.

Nabil said compliance would help create a “more disciplined and balanced” advertising market while aligning with Egypt’s wider resource-efficiency strategy.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English