What did citizens in Lebanon do when they got fed up with the exorbitant fees and extended closures at the Lebanese vehicle registration department (Nafaa), which forced them to drive without license plates?
Citizens across Lebanon transformed their license plate holders into a platform for reform. In a country where cars are essential for daily survival; the drivers showed how they remain unable to register their vehicles, risking hefty fines and impoundment at checkpoints.
As part of the movement, car convoys rolled down major highways from the country’s northern to southern regions, voicing public frustration with widespread inefficiency. By taking to the streets in unity, drivers aimed not only to reignite dialogue around systemic reform but also to encourage renewed adherence to lawful procedures — once the system itself is set right.
Introducing: The Unlicensed Protest in Lebanon
This was a citizens’ movement launched in collaboration with Transparency International Lebanon to compel government bodies like “Nafaa” to resume operations transparently and efficiently.
Rather than using standard license plates, drivers displayed messages such as “Bring back the state,” and “Until Nafaa employees get back to work.” By refusing to allow vital public services to be immobilised any longer, this initiative exemplifies a collective stance against systemic failings.
“This campaign sends a powerful message: citizens are not just passive recipients of government services; they are active participants in demanding and creating transparency,” said Julien Courson, Executive Director at Transparency International Lebanon.
The “Unlicensed Protest” underscores an urgent national need: to restore functional government services. Organisers hope these efforts will spark reforms in Lebanon, ensuring that every citizen has fair access to the vital institutions meant to serve them.
AGENCY CREDITS:
Joe Lahham, TBWA\RAAD, Managing Director
Santiago Cuesta, TBWA\RAAD, Executive Creative Director
Georges Kyrillos, TBWA\RAAD, Executive Creative Director
Christopher Ghorayeb, TBWA\RAAD, Creative Director
Jad Chidiac TBWA\RAAD Senior Art Director
Hiba Shmaysani, TBWA\RAAD, Senior English Copywriter
Naya Kanaan, TBWA\RAAD, Junior Art Director
Catherine Bannister, TBWA\RAAD, Chief Strategy Officer
Dana Naja, TBWA\RAAD, Strategy Director
Romy Abdelnour, TBWA\RAAD, Head of Communications
Diana Georges, TBWA\RAAD, Regional Group Account Director
Georges Ghattas, TBWA\RAAD, Senior Account Executive
Lea Moufarrej, TBWA\RAAD, Corporate Communications Executive
