Despite a law banning the placement of business cards advertising vehicle resale services on car windows in Luxembourg, the practice persists, causing frustration among motorists and sparking concerns about its potential security implications.
It's something that has raised the ire of more than a few motorists in Luxembourg.
The colourful, laminated business cards promoting vehicle resale services wedged between the seal and the glass on your car window are nothing if not prolific.
Sometimes it's there on the side window, other times it's peeking out from under a windscreen wiper.
Cars parked on streets, car parks or private driveways, it seems few escape.
Despite the outlawing of such promotional material being placed on vehicles, the illegal activity continues in the Grand Duchy.
The law banning the practice came into force in June 2022 and allows for a fine of €145 to be imposed. However, distributors of the marketing material appear undeterred and carry on in various locations around the country.
Observers recently expressed their annoyance and even amusement at the strategy on a popular online forum.
Referring to a particular business operator, who advertises its services in this way, a commentator on Reddit noted: "He is everywhere and nowhere at the same time."
Another remarked: "Every week I've got their small card in my mailbox and in the window of my car when I'm parked at home. Recently they even put a card on every car in the parking lot of my workplace. So now I get them at three different locations!"
A further commentator humorously added: "I actually saw one of the guys place the cards on the cars. I couldn't believe my eyes; it was like seeing Santa come down the chimney and distribute presents under the Christmas tree."
Furthermore, some bemused members of the public were vocal in questioning the point of the practice.
"How come they think that this marketing strategy will pay off? They are just wasting a lot of paper and upsetting all the drivers," asked another.
Apart from the litter issue, more serious concerns about the modus operandi have also been raised. One commentator theorised that it could encourage both car and home break-ins if the cards are left on a vehicle outside a private residence for an extended period without being removed.
A spokesperson at the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity confirmed the sanctions that apply to advertisers who do not respect the law prohibiting the placement of business cards on vehicles.
"In the event of non-compliance with this provision, a fine of €145 may be imposed. Please note: this provision has already applied since June 2022."
Despite what the law states regarding this practice, the ministry conceded to RTL Today that it is difficult to catch the distributors of the business cards red-handed.
"Fines may be issued if the perpetrator is caught in the act." These sanctions are therefore relatively difficult to apply.
"The authors behind these cards are very often not companies registered with the RCSL (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés au Luxembourg) or elsewhere, which makes their identification difficult, if not impossible. Reminders of the order are sent by the AEV (Administration de l’environnement ) if a contact can be found."
Responsibility for enforcing the legislation and issuing the fines lies with the Police and "by agents of the administrations concerned," the ministry added.
The police did not provide a comment when asked about measures taken to combat the practice.
