Bahrain's new traffic law: Up to BD 10,000 fines, 10 years' jail for severe violations

Bahrain has enacted sweeping amendments to its Traffic Law under Royal Decree Law No. (30) of 2025, introducing stiffer penalties, including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines reaching BD 10,000 ($26,500), for serious traffic violations. The move, initiated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, aims to strengthen deterrence, safeguard lives, and bolster public road safety across the kingdom.

TL;DR:

• New traffic law imposes fines up to BD 10,000 and prison terms up to 10 years for grave violations.
  
  
  
• Key offenses: red light running, speeding, drunk or drugged driving, reckless maneuvers, and causing road fatalities.
  
  
• Repeat offenders face doubled penalties; courts can order vehicle confiscation in severe cases. Public Prosecution now empowered to issue fines up to BD 2,000.

Details of new traffic law and penalties
Bahrain’s revised traffic legislation includes several notable changes:

• General violations:
  Fines from BD 50–100 for minor violations (e.g., not slowing in residential areas, unauthorized vehicle stickers). BD 200–1,000 and up to six months in jail for more serious breaches.
  
• Running a red light:
  Up to six months in jail, BD 200–1,000 fine. If the violation causes damage, jail increases to 3 months–1 year and fines to BD 1,000–3,000.
  
• Speeding:
  Up to six months in jail, BD 1,000 fine. If damage is involved, offenders face 3 months–1 year imprisonment and BD 1,000–3,000 fines. Repeat offenders incur greater penalties.
  
• Driving under the influence (DUI):
  2 months–1 year in jail, BD 1,000–2,000 fine. If involved in a traffic crime: 4 months–2 years imprisonment, BD 2,000–4,000 fine; doubled for repeat offenses.
  

Expanded offense categories

• Reckless driving:
  Article 47 (bis) penalizes dangerous maneuvers, wrong-way driving, and overtaking in restricted zones.
  
• Causing fatalities & injuries:
  Article 51 (bis): Drivers causing death via traffic accidents can face up to 10 years’ jail and BD 10,000 fines (especially if intoxicated or involving serious violations like red-light or speeding).
  Article 51 (bis 1): Causing injuries can mean up to 7 years and BD 8,000 fines if drugs, alcohol, or serious infractions are involved.
  
• Vehicle Confiscation & Criminal Orders:
  Article 54 (bis): Courts can confiscate vehicles in severe crimes. Public Prosecution can now issue criminal fines up to BD 2,000.
  Security officers received judicial powers to arrest major traffic criminals.
  

Bahrain’s Royal Decree firmly elevates the consequences for dangerous driving, empowering law enforcement and the judiciary to act swiftly against violators. With tough penalties, preventive powers, and avenues for reconciliation only under strict conditions, the law reflects Bahrain’s aggressive stance on road safety and its commitment to protecting lives on the road.

FAQ

• 1. What are some of the highest penalties under Bahrain’s new road safety law?
  Offenders can face up to BD 10,000 in fines and jail terms up to 10 years for causing deaths, especially if intoxicated or violating major traffic rules.
  
• 2. What are the penalties for running a red light in Bahrain now?
  Up to six months in jail and fines of BD 200–1,000; if an accident with damage occurs, penalties rise to 3 months–1 year jail and BD 1,000–3,000.
  
• 3. What actions are considered serious new offenses?
  Dangerous maneuvers, sudden swerving, driving the wrong way, and overtaking in restricted zones have been added as offenses.
  
• 4. Can vehicles now be confiscated for traffic crimes in Bahrain?
  Yes, courts have the power to confiscate vehicles in cases of severe traffic crimes.
  
• 5. Who is empowered to issue fines or arrest offenders under the new law?
  Public Prosecution can issue criminal orders with fines up to BD 2,000, and public security officers now have judicial powers to arrest violators of major offenses.