The 'Unlicensed Protest': How Lebanon’s empty license plates sparked a reform movement

Fed up with corruption, excessive fees, and prolonged closures at the Lebanese vehicle registration department ("Nafaa")—which have forced many to drive without license plates—citizens across Lebanon have turned their empty license plate holders into powerful symbols of protest.

In a country lacking efficient public transport, cars are essential for daily life; yet many drivers remain unable to register their vehicles, risking fines and impoundment at checkpoints.

This is where 'The Unlicensed Protest'—a grassroots movement launched in partnership with Transparency International Lebanon, comes in with the aim to pressure government bodies like “Nafaa” to restore transparent and efficient services.

Instead of displaying regular license plates, protesters opted to use messages such as “Bring back the state,” “Until the thievery stops,” and “Until Nafaa employees get back to work.”

This act of defiance is designed to reject the corruption that has paralyzed essential public services, making a bold collective statement against systemic failure.

“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. “We call on public officials to act on these calls for reform and restore trust in Lebanon’s institutions.”

As part of the movement, car convoys have traveled across Lebanon’s major highways, from the country’s northern to southern regions, expressing public frustration over the country’s chronic inefficiency and corruption.

By taking to the streets together, demonstrators hope to reignite dialogue around reform and to push for the restoration of lawful procedures—once the system is set right.

The “Unlicensed Protest” highlights an urgent national need: to restore functional, trustworthy government services. Organizers hope this movement will catalyze much-needed reforms in Lebanon, ensuring that all citizens have fair access to the institutions designed to serve them.

By refusing to allow corruption to immobilize vital public services any longer, this initiative spearheaded by TBWA\RAAD team exemplifies a collective stance against systemic failings.

Agency Credits:

Joe Lahham, TBWA\RAAD, Managing Director

Santiago Cuesta, TBWA\RAAD, Executive Creative Director

Georges Kyrillos, TBWA\RAAD, Regional 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