Proposed Law Seeks to Toughen Penalties for Reckless Driving

TDT | Manama

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A proposed law aimed at significantly increasing penalties for reckless driving is set to be debated in the upcoming session of the House of Representatives. 

The bill, introduced by MPs Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Abdulhakeem Al Shanu, Ali Al Doseri, Najeeb Al Kawari, and Waleed Al Doseri, proposes jail terms of at least six months and fines ranging from BD 2,000 to BD 6,000, or either penalty, for drivers engaging in dangerous overtaking or reckless driving, including using emergency lanes.

The proposed legislation is based on the increasing prevalence of irresponsible driving and the need for stricter penalties. The bill equates the severity of reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and using emergency lanes with running red lights resulting in death, arguing that the criminal culpability warrants equal punishment.

The Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee has reviewed the proposal and recommended its approval. The House of Representatives will debate the bill in its next session. If passed, the law would mark a significant increase in the penalties for these traffic violations.