Bahrain Dashcam “Greenlight” Misconception Debunked: Legal Risks and Privacy Rules

Reports circulating in mid-to-late 2025 suggesting that Bahrain’s Interior Ministry gave a blanket approval for dashcams are inaccurate. In reality, privacy-focused legislation and statements from the ministry indicate that dashcam use must comply with local laws regarding personal privacy.

The misconception may have arisen from the Interior Ministry’s August 2025 announcement of a rollout of 500 “advanced smart cameras” to detect traffic violations. These cameras are government-operated and are unrelated to private vehicle dashcams.

Key legal considerations for dashcam users in Bahrain include strict privacy rules. Article 370 of Bahrain’s Penal Code prohibits recording or publishing a person’s private life without consent. In August 2025, the Interior Ministry explicitly warned against filming people without permission, including during traffic accidents. Violations can carry up to five years in prison and fines of BD5,000.

Publicly sharing dashcam footage on social media is also illegal, especially if it reveals identifiable individuals or license plates. A law passed in May 2025 criminalized secret recordings of private conversations, filming accident victims, or disclosing intimate details of someone’s life.

While dashcam footage can sometimes be used as evidence in traffic or insurance cases, it remains legally ambiguous. Bahrain’s laws draw a careful distinction between private and public life. Even recordings from public roads can be considered violations if improperly shared. Footage submitted at the request of government authorities is more likely to be legitimate, but unsolicited submission could carry legal risk.

In summary, claims that dashcams in Bahrain have a free “greenlight” are incorrect. Anyone using a dashcam should exercise extreme caution, avoid infringing on others’ privacy, ensure proper installation, and refrain from sharing footage publicly to prevent hefty fines or imprisonment.