A nationwide clampdown on the illegal use of motorbikes has been urgently called for after fresh footage emerged of potentially dangerous violations on the kingdom’s roads.
The incident that reignited the debate was filmed by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk in Arad yesterday.
The video showed an expatriate motorist riding an unregistered motorbike without number plates while carrying his wife as a passenger, in what the legislators described as a blatant disregard for Bahrain’s traffic laws and public safety.
“This is not the Asian subcontinent, and here we have traffic rules that must be respected,” Mr Bu Onk told the GDN.
“The man was not just riding on an illegal vehicle with no number plates, but also tucking his wife behind him, without any protective measures or even the slightest consideration for safety.”
The MP stressed that Bahrain could not allow such reckless behaviour ‘to take root’, warning that the unregulated use of motorbikes posed serious risks not only to riders themselves but also to other road users and pedestrians.
“Every vehicle in Bahrain, whether a car or motorbike, must be registered, licenced and compliant with safety requirements. There can be no exceptions.”
The Strategic Thinking Bloc, of which Mr Bu Onk is a leading member, has been increasingly vocal about road safety, especially regarding unlicensed and unregulated vehicles.
A few months ago, the same parliamentary bloc raised concerns after another video went viral showing a woman driving an unlicensed tuk tuk in Diyar Al Muharraq.
“Whether it is a tuk tuk or a motorbike, the issue is the same – they are being operated illegally, without regulation, and without even the most basic safety standards,” said Mr Bu Onk.
“We have to be firm and decisive. This is not just about enforcing the law, it is about protecting lives.”
Family outing on a two-wheeler
The MP added that such incidents undermine Bahrain’s efforts to build a modern, disciplined traffic system. He noted that the authorities must intensify monitoring, enforce strict penalties on violators, and work with the community to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe and illegal vehicles.
“It is important that the public understands the consequences,” he added. “Illegal vehicles are not just a violation of the law; they are a hazard on our streets. One accident could claim lives and put additional pressure on our healthcare system. We cannot wait for a tragedy before we act.”
The bloc has submitted proposals to Parliament calling for tougher measures, including higher fines, vehicle confiscations, and potential deportation for repeat offenders found operating unlicensed motorbikes or tuk tuks.
“Our message is clear – Bahrain is a country of law and order, not chaos,” said Mr Bu Onk.
“We welcome everyone in our society, but no one is above the law. Traffic rules exist to keep us safe, and they must be respected.”
Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Hassan Bukhammas has been asked formally to investigate the matter with the Interior Ministry.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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