Hefty fines of up to BD2,000, on-the-spot removal of illegal structures, and public auction of confiscated items are among the new enforcement tools proposed under sweeping amendments to Bahrain’s decades-old road occupation law – now unanimously approved by the Southern Municipal Council.
The proposed changes to Decree-Law No 2 of 1996 aim to modernise how public roads, pavements and even airspace above streets are regulated.
Under the draft, municipalities will gain explicit authority to immediately remove any unlicensed occupation that threatens public safety, disrupts traffic, affects public order or damages the aesthetic character of neighbourhoods.
Items seized can be stored, reclaimed upon payment of fees and expenses – or sold at public auction if left unclaimed.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said the amendments were long overdue.
“This law was written for a very different Bahrain,” he said. “Today we deal with construction cranes over roads, temporary kiosks, event platforms, electric vehicle chargers, and seasonal commercial activity that simply did not exist when the law was issued. These amendments give municipalities the legal clarity and enforcement power we need to protect public space and public safety.”
The list of regulated activities has been significantly expanded and no person or entity can occupy a public road – horizontally or vertically – without a municipal licence.
The activities include:
- Scaffolding and cranes extending into road airspace
- Construction containers outside property boundaries
- Temporary sales carts and seasonal kiosks
- Media platforms and event decorations
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Temporary carports and mobile installations
Even leaving goods outside shops or homes beyond the shortest loading period would require compliance.
The draft also allows the minister to exempt certain historic districts, villages or commercial zones from some provisions, ensuring flexibility where heritage or local character requires it.
Mr Abdullatif stressed that the amendments are not aimed at increasing restrictions.
“This is about organisation, not punishment. We want businesses, community initiatives and development to continue – but in a way that respects public roads, pedestrians and the character of our towns and villages.”
A major procedural change requires municipalities to respond to licence applications within 15 working days. Failure to respond within that period will be considered a rejection, allowing applicants to move directly to appeal instead of being left waiting indefinitely.
The council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman, councillor Khalid Shajra, said this protects both citizens and authorities.
“We are closing the grey areas. Applicants will know exactly where they stand within two weeks. At the same time, municipalities retain the authority to refuse applications on clear grounds such as traffic safety, public health, public order and urban aesthetics.”
For the first time, the draft formalises a clear appeal route. Applicants can challenge municipal decisions before a ministerial committee within 30 days, and then before the High Civil Court.
The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister, with Cabinet approval, will also set inspection fees, occupancy fees based on road classification and, insurance deposits to restore damaged sites. Deposits can be used by municipalities to restore affected areas if the licensee fails to do so.
“Public property must be returned to its original condition,” said Mr Shajra. “The insurance system ensures taxpayers are not burdened with the cost of repairing damage caused by private activities.”
Violations carry fines ranging from BD500 to BD2,000. However, offenders may settle administratively by paying the maximum fine, avoiding lengthy court proceedings. Repeat or serious violations can lead to licence withdrawal and confiscation of equipment.
Municipal inspectors, granted judicial authority, will be empowered to document violations, seize items and refer cases for prosecution.
The Southern Municipal Council unanimously approved the amendments, following earlier endorsement by the Capital Trustees Board.
The draft will now be circulated to other municipal councils for feedback as part of the 2026 Municipal Legislative Plan before moving to the legislative process.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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