Bahrain MPs Back 30-Day Traffic Fine Grace Period

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Parliament is moving ahead with plans to approve, for the second time, a proposed amendment to the Traffic Law — despite opposition from both the Shura Council and the government.

The proposed amendment allows offenders who accept reconciliation to pay an amount equivalent to half of the minimum fine for the violation, provided payment is made within 30 days from the date the reconciliation offer is presented.

According to the proposal, which will be voted on during the council’s upcoming regular session, the current seven-day window for payment — as stated in Article 56 of the Traffic Law — is insufficient for many violators to arrange the payment, especially amid rising global prices and the financial strain faced by citizens.

The Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security Committee, which recommended passing the amendment, stated that extending the reconciliation period to 30 days and allowing payment of half the minimum fine would encourage more violators to settle their cases out of court. This, in turn, would reduce the number of cases brought before traffic courts, ease the workload of judges, and lessen the burden on citizens.

However, the government, in a written response to Parliament, expressed appreciation for the intent behind the proposal but urged reconsideration. It argued that the amendment would undermine the principles of general and specific deterrence embedded in the Traffic Law.

The government emphasized that each offense under the Traffic Law carries either a financial penalty or imprisonment to ensure public safety and discipline among drivers. It stressed that financial penalties must remain enforceable to uphold the deterrent value of traffic violations and maintain road safety standards.