Speeding, Street Racing, Reckless Driving – Big Changes Are Coming!

The Ministry of Interior announced that recent data shows a sharp increase in serious traffic accidents across Bahrain, resulting in significant human and material losses.

In response, a new Royal Decree-Law has been issued to amend the Traffic Law, introducing tougher penalties for dangerous behaviors such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Ministry explained that the amendments add new offences to the Traffic Law that were previously only covered under the Penal Code. This aims to create a unified legal framework and improve enforcement.

The term “unsafe driving,” as defined in Article (47 bis) of the amended law, now includes actions such as reckless overtaking, driving against the flow of traffic, and street racing. The Ministry said this broader definition gives the judiciary flexibility to apply the law more effectively to strengthen deterrence and road safety.

It also clarified that window tinting (rayban) regulations fall under safety and environmental standards, not within the category of serious traffic violations.

The Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission noted that the amendment was necessary due to the rise in major accidents and the need for stronger deterrence. The new law empowers the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecution with more effective legal tools to ensure road safety.

The Commission added that the decree reflects Bahrain’s evolving traffic landscape, shaped by urban growth and increasing vehicle numbers, while maintaining citizens’ constitutional rights to safety and life.