In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Interior Ministry has initiated legal and legislative measures to intensify penalties associated with serious traffic violations, to enhance public safety and safeguard lives and property.
In this context, the Director of Traffic Culture at the General Directorate of Traffic, Major Khalid Buqais, stated during an interview on the television programme “Shams Al Bahrain” that this step reflects the leadership’s vision to modernise the legislative framework in line with current traffic realities and evolving changes. He noted that the proposed amendments to the Traffic Law are aimed at deterring violators and reinforcing discipline on public roads.
He emphasised that the efforts of the General Directorate of Traffic are not limited to specific times but are ongoing 24/7 throughout the year, underlining the directorate’s central role in ensuring the safety and security of all road users.
He further explained that the new legislative project includes a review of the minimum and maximum thresholds for fines and custodial penalties, in addition to introducing supplementary penalties such as licence suspension and vehicle confiscation. These measures will apply particularly to violations that result in serious injuries or fatalities, or involve severe traffic offences such as running red lights, reckless driving, and excessive speeding.
He also highlighted the importance of continuous public awareness, stressing that educational media campaigns play a key role in fostering individual responsibility. He noted that traffic awareness begins at home and in schools and must be integrated with official efforts, adding that awareness is not a choice but a societal necessity for promoting responsible driving behaviour.
He also noted that the upcoming project to equip the General Directorate of Traffic with 500 new surveillance cameras represents a qualitative leap in law enforcement and the creation of a more disciplined traffic system. He affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily progressing toward further establishing its position among the leading countries in traffic safety.
