Litter lout motorists caught on camera dumping cigarette butts, food parcels and drink cans from stationary or moving vehicles could soon face fines of BD300, under a new proposal put forward by municipal leaders in a bid to clamp down on littering on Bahrain’s roads.
The joint proposal, submitted by Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif and Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, calls for the violations to be added to the executive bylaws of the 2014 Traffic Law, while incorporating provisions from the 2019 Cleanliness Law.
Mr Al Naar
The initiative comes as Bahrain prepares to roll out hi-tech traffic cameras across the country, enabling authorities to more effectively detect and record non-traditional violations such as littering, unsafe loading and improper lane discipline.
The proposal will be submitted to Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa for review.
Mr Abdullatif said the move was necessary to address what has become a daily and widespread public nuisance, stressing that littering from vehicles undermines national cleanliness efforts and endangers road safety.
Mr Abdullatif
“Some people think tossing rubbish out of the car window is harmless but it is one of the most visible and persistent forms of disrespect for our environment,” he said. “We want to make it clear that littering from vehicles is not only a traffic offence, it’s also a cleanliness and civic offence too.
“A BD300 fine sends a strong message that this behaviour will no longer be tolerated.”
He added that municipal councils receive regular complaints about discarded waste piling up near traffic lights, roundabouts and residential roads – often traced back to passing vehicles.
Muharraq chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the upcoming nationwide installation of advanced traffic cameras provides an opportunity to expand enforcement beyond speeding and red-light violations.
“The technology is already here – cameras can identify vehicles involved in littering just as easily as they detect other violations,” said Mr Al Naar. “We’re proposing a practical, enforceable solution that protects our streets, reduces cleaning costs and reinforces civic responsibility.”
He noted that linking the Traffic Law and Cleanliness Law ensures that enforcement agencies can act swiftly and clearly without ambiguity over jurisdiction.
“The laws already prohibit littering. What we are doing is closing the enforcement gap,” he explained.
Both chairmen stressed that the aim is not an attempt to increase revenue receipts but to encourage civic order.
“Our streets reflect our values. We want visitors and residents to see a clean, disciplined Bahrain,” said Mr Abdullatif.
Mr Al Naar agreed, adding: “If we can stop even a portion of this behaviour, it will make a huge difference to the overall cleanliness and appearance of our villages, towns and cities.”
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom welcomed the proposal, calling it ‘timely and necessary’ given the public frustration over roadside litter.
“Littering from vehicles is a menace that affects every city, every neighbourhood and every commuter,” he said following a notification with the proposal from the councils’ chairmen.
“This proposal sends the right message and aligns with national efforts to enhance public behaviour, environmental protection and overall road discipline.”
He added that combining legislative tools from two different laws – traffic and cleanliness – strengthens enforcement and reduces loopholes that violators could otherwise exploit.
According to municipal data, significant amounts of roadside waste originate from vehicles, increasing the burden on cleaning teams and municipal budgets. Councils say the new fines could help deter irresponsible behaviour and support ongoing urban beautification initiatives.
The proposal will now move to the Interior Ministry for technical and legal assessment, after which it may be implemented through amendments to the Traffic Law’s executive bylaws.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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