30-day window, half the price for traffic fine
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
After some back and forth between those arguing for leniency and those pushing for deterrence, Parliament yesterday approved a bill to extend the discount period for traffic fines from seven days to 30.
If enacted, the change would allow drivers who accept reconciliation to settle fines at half the minimum rate for up to a month, rather than only within the first week.
Supporters of the move said the extra time would encourage more offenders to settle their fines, easing pressure on courts and cutting the number of cases going to trial.
They argued the oneweek window was too short for many to find the money, especially as living costs rise.
Extending the timeframe, they said, would lead to better compliance and help clear minor offences more quickly.
The government opposed the change, saying it weakened deterrence and risked making penalties less effective.
Justice Minister, H.E. Nawaf Al Maawda, defended the existing system.
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