Bahrain to introduce stricter regulations to curb disruptive vehicle modifications and reckless driving

TDT | Manama                                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

To prioritise the safety of its citizens, the Bahrain Interior Minister, His Excellency Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, has implemented new regulations to crack down on disruptive vehicle modifications and reckless driving.

These measures aim to create a safer driving environment and reduce noise pollution. Under the recently published decision in the Official Gazette, car owners who install devices or make modifications to their vehicles’ systems, exhaust, engines, or related components in a manner that produces annoying or disruptive sounds may face penalties.

One of the penalties includes the temporary withdrawal of the vehicle for up to 60 days. The main objective of this measure is to prevent the creation or intensification of sounds that deviate from the vehicle’s original design or intended purpose. Additionally, the new regulations grant authorities the power to tow vehicles in specific situations.

For example, if a driver fails to operate their vehicle safely, engages in sudden deviations, frequently manoeuvres between other vehicles, or drives recklessly, thereby endangering or harassing other road users, their vehicle may be subject to towing. These regulations have become necessary in Bahrain, especially during occasions like National Day and New Year’s, when reckless driving and loud exhaust sounds disrupt the roads.

Comfortable and healthy environment

Concerns raised by members of the community emphasise the importance of a comfortable and healthy environment for daily living and mental well-being. Fatima, an activist, highlighted the need to address issues such as sound pollution, which affects the creation of a comfortable and healthy environment in Bahrain.

While efforts to regulate various tangible environmental issues, such as recycling, green industry, and carbon neutrality, are intensifying, attention must also be given to reducing noise pollution caused by cars or loudspeakers in stores.

The introduction of these new measures aims to promote safer driving practices and discourage modifications that contribute to noise pollution or compromise the safety of road users.