The Best and Worst Windshield Banner Inspirations

Ah, the windshield banner. A trend that’s really picked up since 2014 according to Google. Some hate, but I see no problem with the permanent visor’s visibility, simplicity, and room for expression! But beware, we’ve seen some real crumby messages rolling around. I like to be positive but, MAN! Some people need straightened out. Maybe send this to them?

Frist, the bad:

Windshield Banners to NEVER Do

You’ve probably seen a lot of these, so you know what I mean. If not, let me open your eyes.

• Instagram: Now this isn’t the very worst, but self-promoting can come off as conceded and self-centered. I’m just saying there’s better ways to go.
• Non-matching colors. The safest bets are really black, the exact color of your car, or the color of your highlights. Unless you’re going full-competition livery then keep it neutral or even fully discrete.
• Jokes that belong on a bumper sticker AKA nowhere. “If you can read this-” and “My other car is-” is no way to start a windshield banner.
• A company you have no real association with. Unless they sponsor you, you work for them, or it’s part YOU added to your car (not stock), then don’t go giving them fee advertising. Even putting on a company you plan to do something with is risky. What if someone asks about it?
• Temporary things like girlfriends names, schools, or an unestablished business. The beauty of the windshield banner is it’s temporary nature, but they’re hard to apply and not too cheap if done right. And don’t forget the photoshoots. you’ll have in the future!
• Sports teams or brands. Guys, I shouldn’t have to say it but don’t do Gucci. It’s not a Gucci car. Supreme? Sure if you’re 12. Green Bay Packers? Alright if you want people to think you’re driving a John Deere.
• Vulgarity and crudeness. Don’t be a Dodge truck driver. Remember the kids that might admire your car. There are way better things than cusswords or the cheap comedy of play-on-cusswords like “Fast as Truck.” And here are the alternatives:

Great Windshield Banner Ideas

Now that you have some guidelines, it’s time to get creative. As mentioned, the visor is your canvas. What you put will be like a name badge for your car. This being a JDM article, let’s say you can do English or Japanese for an added level of class. It’s okay to be cryptic with hard-to-read fonts, overlaid patterns, and Japanese or foreign characters.

• A matching or corelating color. A white car with red brakes and highlights would be sick with a plain red windshield banner. A black car with a matte black visor would be subtle and mean-looking.
• A non-obvious movie reference. Like Initial D, The Ghost of (enter town) isn’t bad. A short movie quote your car is in, or a title like The General.
• Plain patters. Again, being JDM, I would recommend the red sun often seen in JDM culture, but you might need to brace yourself for skepticism if your car isn’t both Japanese and right-hand drive. If it were a Golf a plaid design could work. A large version of the cars logo would be sweet.
• Quite simply, car sounds. It’s cute to see a car that says “Stustustustustu” as you hear the turbo sounds.
• A more practical phrase. I had a friend with a “Move Over” sticker with an arrow on his Subaru, he said it worked sometimes in the canyon. I’ve considered a “Left is Last” sticker to point at when people forget how two-way stops work. As mentioned before, don’t be rude with it.
• Self-depreciating or ironic jokes. Subaru first sold their cars in America as “Cheap and Ugly.” Cars that joke about being slow, quiet, or reliable always can pull a smile and seem far less full of themselves. I saw a slightly off-road tuned RAV4 with the sticker “Basically a Supra.” Since it’s obviously not even close it’s funny without seeming cocky.
• Cheap and Ugly (Hear me out). Not necessarily our name, but a race team or crew that’s open to everyone or you’re a part of. I have a ton of respect for the Midnight club, but you’d have to check copywrite laws if you plan to make money posting about or doing services with your car since there’s a company with that name.
• “Racing for” or “In Memory of.” It’s always sobering and inspiring to see someone whose build is inspired by someone who passed. If it’s another driver then it’s a good reminder to be safe, wear a seatbelt, and not take unnecessary risks.