Shura to discuss traffic fines and cheque payment changes

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Two proposed laws on traffic fines and cheque payments will be discussed in the Shura Council today, with one already expected to be rejected. The Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee has recommended voting down an amendment to Article 56 of Bahrain’s 2014 Traffic Law.

The committee warned that the proposed changes would weaken enforcement and risk undermining road safety. At present, the law includes both financial penalties and prison terms for road offences that amount to crimes. The committee said these measures are intended to deter reckless behaviour and to protect both people and property. It argued that fines must remain enforceable to serve their purpose.

If drivers start treating them as optional, the deterrent value is lost. The proposed changes, which would soften the approach to enforcement, were seen as likely to reduce the law’s effectiveness. The report also pointed to a conflict with the principle of graduated penalties and the quick settlement option already available under the third paragraph of the article in question. In the same session, councillors are expected to examine a second draft law to amend Commercial Law.

This measure focuses on how banks handle cheques when there are not enough funds to cover the full amount. The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee has supported the proposal. It would allow for partial payments to be made rather than returning the cheque unpaid. The remaining sum could then be reclaimed through existing procedures.