FAR 52.208-6—Marking of Leased Vehicles.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.208-6, Marking of Leased Vehicles, tells contractors and agencies how leased motor vehicles may be identified during performance. It applies to solicitations and contracts for leasing motor vehicles, except when the vehicles are leased in foreign countries, and it is prescribed by FAR 8.1104(c). The clause addresses two related topics: the Government’s right to place nonpermanent agency-identifying markings or decals on leased vehicles, and the contractor’s limited ability to use temporary placards for vehicle identification. It also sets a key condition that Government markings must be removable without damaging the vehicle, which protects the lessor’s property and helps avoid disputes over return condition. In practice, the clause balances operational needs for fleet identification, security, and accountability with the contractor’s interest in preserving the vehicle and avoiding unauthorized advertising or endorsement. For contracting officers, it is a straightforward insertion requirement when leasing vehicles domestically; for contractors, it is a notice that agency markings may appear on the vehicle and that any contractor identification must be carefully controlled.
Key Rules
Applies to vehicle leases
This clause is inserted in solicitations and contracts for leasing motor vehicles. It does not apply when the motor vehicles are leased in foreign countries.
Government may mark vehicles
The Government may place nonpermanent markings or decals identifying the using agency on each side and on the front and rear bumpers of leased vehicles. This gives the agency a way to identify its fleet for operational and administrative purposes.
Markings must be removable
Any Government-applied markings or decals must be removable without damage to the vehicle. The Government cannot require or use markings that leave permanent damage or impair the vehicle’s return condition.
Contractor may use placards
The contractor may use placards for temporary identification of vehicles. This is a limited permission for operational identification, not a general right to brand the vehicle.
No advertising or endorsement
Contractor placards may not contain references to the contractor that could be construed as advertising or as Government endorsement of the contractor. The clause prevents the appearance that the Government is promoting a private company.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Include FAR 52.208-6 in solicitations and contracts for leasing motor vehicles unless the lease is for vehicles in foreign countries. Ensure the contract terms and any agency marking practices are consistent with the clause.
Government Using Agency
If it chooses to identify leased vehicles, place only nonpermanent agency-identifying markings or decals on the specified vehicle locations and ensure they can be removed without damaging the vehicle.
Contractor
Allow the Government’s permitted markings and, if using placards for temporary identification, ensure they do not contain contractor references that could be viewed as advertising or Government endorsement. Manage vehicle return so markings and placards do not create damage or disputes.
Vehicle Fleet/Property Personnel
Coordinate installation and removal of decals or placards, verify that materials are nonpermanent and removable, and inspect vehicles for damage related to markings before return.
Practical Implications
This clause is mainly about fleet visibility and accountability: agencies can identify leased vehicles without permanently altering them.
A common pitfall is using adhesive decals or mounting methods that damage paint, trim, or glass when removed; that can create return-condition disputes and potential liability.
Contractors should be careful with any temporary placards that mention the company name, logo, or slogan, because even innocent branding can be viewed as prohibited advertising or implied endorsement.
Contracting officers should make sure the lease file and vehicle management procedures align with the clause, especially for installation and removal responsibilities.
Because the clause does not apply to foreign-country leases, users should check the place of performance before inserting or relying on it.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 8.1104 (c) , insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for leasing motor vehicles, unless the motor vehicles are leased in foreign countries: Marking of Leased Vehicles (Apr 1984) (a) The Government may place nonpermanent markings or decals, identifying the using agency, on each side, and on the front and rear bumpers, of any motor vehicle leased under this contract. The Government shall use markings or decals that are removable without damage to the vehicle. (b) The Contractor may use placards for temporary identification of vehicles except that the placards may not contain any references to the Contractor that may be construed as advertising or endorsement by the Government of the Contractor. (End of clause)