In line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Ministry of Interior has begun implementing strict legal procedures to tighten penalties for traffic violations and accidents that result in serious injuries or deaths. These measures fall within the framework of the Traffic Law and its executive regulations, aimed at safeguarding lives and property and ensuring the rule of law.
His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who also chairs the Traffic Council, issued directives to establish a dedicated working group to review the Traffic Law and propose amendments in coordination with relevant authorities and committees. This initiative is part of a broader legislative update to enhance the regulatory framework governing road usage and increase compliance with traffic laws.
The Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, Rashid Mohammed Bunajma, affirmed that the Minister’s instructions represent a clear roadmap guided by the Crown Prince’s directives, emphasising swift implementation and maximum readiness. He explained that the purpose behind strengthening penalties is to significantly reduce traffic incidents by holding violators accountable through a system of deterrent penalties designed to protect lives and public safety.
He said that the proposed amendments would increase both the minimum and maximum thresholds of penalties across the board, including fines and custodial sentences. This includes higher reconciliation fees, fines, and prison terms, particularly when violations result in injury or death.
The penalties become even more severe in cases involving serious violations such as running red lights, exceeding speed limits, driving against traffic flow, overtaking on the yellow line, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, especially when these actions lead to accidents. The new legislation will also include the confiscation of vehicles involved in such dangerous behaviour or incidents causing injury or death.
He stressed that tougher traffic penalties are a key tool in reforming driver behaviour and deterring dangerous conduct on the roads. He noted that these changes are expected to reduce serious accidents significantly.
He also highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns in promoting road safety, calling for targeted educational efforts to familiarise the public with the core provisions of the Traffic Law and proper road conduct. These campaigns will coincide with the rollout of the new legal amendments, with the General Directorate of Traffic adopting innovative methods to communicate the risks of violating traffic rules and the consequences of unsafe driving practices.
