Bahrain Shura Council to Vote on Tougher Traffic Penalties and Key Legal Amendments
Ashwini Gambo
The Shura Council of Bahrain will today review and vote on three significant decree-laws addressing traffic regulations, criminal penalties, and procedural updates, following a recommendation for approval by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee. The proposals include Decree-Law No. 30 of 2025 amending the Traffic Law, Decree-Law No. 31 of 2025 amending the Penal Code, and Decree-Law No. 32 of 2025 amending the Code of Criminal Procedure.
According to the committee, these legal updates are designed to bolster road safety, impose stronger deterrents against reckless behaviour, and reduce repeat traffic violations. The amendments to the Traffic Law reflect Bahrain’s rapid urban, economic, and population growth, which has driven expansion in road networks and a rising number of vehicles and licensed drivers. The committee noted that the updated legislation increases both jail terms and financial penalties in response to a notable rise in dangerous practices such as excessive speeding, overtaking in prohibited zones, driving against traffic, driving under the influence, phone use while driving, and failing to wear seat belts.
The proposed amendment to the Penal Code aims to strengthen protections for life and bodily safety by applying consistent penalties to similar offences. The committee highlighted that the changes will help unify judicial handling of cases involving wrongful, unintentional killing or injury, ensuring clarity and consistency in court rulings.
The amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure seek to align case-handling processes with the updated provisions of the Traffic Law and Penal Code. The committee emphasised that the new framework continues to support the use of criminal orders for resolving minor cases early, reducing the burden on courts while maintaining essential fair-trial guarantees.
During the session, the Council will also be informed of a question submitted by member Nancy Eili Khadouri to the Minister of Health. The inquiry concerns whether a non-Bahraini widow of a Bahraini citizen retains access to health insurance services after her husband’s death, alongside the minister’s official response.Related Info
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