Frequently asked questions.

About cartop displays

What is a cartop display?

Cartop displays are digital devices that go on top of your car that display advertising. 

What does the cartop display look like?

How is the display installed?

An expert from Ara will install a roof rack on your vehicle and then mount the display on the roof rack. Installation is a ‘no trace’ process that involves no modifying or damaging your vehicle. 

Is this approved by rideshare companies?

Yes! Rideshare companies permit drivers to install cartop displays and encourage it as a way for drivers to maximize their earnings. 

Making money with a cartop display

How much can I earn?

View the pay structure below. You must drive a minimum of 20 hours a week with a cartop to start earning. The cartop must be on, in motion, and within the approved boundaries for you to accrue hours. Your driving hours count even if you are not taking an rideshare trip. 

What areas are legally permitted for driving with a cartop display on?

The display is legally allowed to show ads in the areas shaded in blue. The display is prohibited from showing ads in the areas not shaded in blue; therefore, if you’re in one of these areas the display will not show ads. Once you drive back into a blue area displaying ads should resume. 

Who will have access to my location data?

Ara will have access to your car’s location when the cartop display is powered on. We use this data to calculate payments and improve the program. 

Will I receive a 1099?

If you earn over $600 throughout the year, Ara will send an email to you toward the end of the year to verify we have the correct information to send you a 1099. Ara will request the needed information to process a 1099 before you receive your first payout to ensure we have everything we need to correctly process your documents.

Care and maintenance 

Can I wash my car?

You can wash your car by hand. Cartop displays can’t go through automatic car washes. Powerful jets and power washers may damage the device. 

Can I turn the display off?

You can turn the display off, but won’t make money for driving with a cartop display until you turn it back on. You can do so on your Ara driver dashboard.

Can I take the display off my car?

Please do not remove or tamper with the cartop display. To have the display removed, schedule an appointment with an Ara expert. 

Help and support

What if the cartop display is damaged or not working?

An Ara expert will take care of it. Just schedule a free maintenance appointment from your Ara driver dashboard. 

I no longer want the cartop display - what should I do?

Schedule an appointment to have an Ara expert remove the display. Removal is quick and free. 

Help with payments

How can I see how much I’ve earned in the current week?

You may review your current earnings by logging into your Ara profile and going to your Ara Driver dashboard. Your earnings and connected hours for the week will be displayed accordingly. The weekly payment window to accrue connected hours is from Monday at midnight to Sunday at 11:59pm.

What if I think there’s an issue with my past payment?

You may review past earnings and payments by going to the ‘Earnings’ section of your Ara account on the Ara Driver dashboard. Login to your account and tap ‘Earnings’ to view your past earnings. Payments are triggered weekly on Tuesdays and may take 3-5 business days to reach your account. For issues with your cartop display payments, please contact Ara’s support team.