Fines for putting children in front seats

Drivers can face up to BD100 in fines and a 30–60-day licence suspension

TDT | Manama

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• Under-10s barred from vehicle front seats
•  Enforces child seat safety rules

Traffic authorities reminded motorists and parents of the legal and safety risks of allowing children to sit in vehicle front seats.

Authorities stressed that parents and guardians must take all necessary safety measures for children at home, on the road and inside vehicles. Placing children in front seats can expose them to serious or fatal injuries in the event of a crash, sudden braking or an abrupt stop.

Children should instead be placed in appropriate child seats and properly secured with the required safety restraints.

Under Article 45 of Law No. (23) of 2014 issuing the Traffic Law, motorists can face a fine of between BD20 and BD100 for allowing children under the age of 10 to ride in the front seats.

The same article also penalises drivers who allow a child to travel in a vehicle without being secured in a designated child safety seat in accordance with applicable standards.

The penalty can be doubled if the offender repeats any of the specified violations within one year of the date of the judgment.

In addition, Article 39 allows the authorities to administratively suspend a driver’s licence for between 30 and 60 days for allowing children under 10 to sit in the front seats.

Article 22 of Ministerial Decision No. (154) of 2015, issuing the executive regulations of the Traffic Law, also prohibits drivers from allowing children under 10 to sit in the front seats while the vehicle is travelling on the road.

The measures form part of Bahrain’s traffic safety regulations aimed at protecting children and reducing the risk of serious injuries in road accidents.