A legislative proposal to extend the discounted payment window for traffic fines would weaken the country’s deterrent framework and potentially endanger road safety, the Shura Council argued yesterday, during its weekly session.
The proposed amendment to Article 56 of the 2014 Traffic Law, which was initially submitted by MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi and passed by Parliament in February, aims to extend the deadline for paying half of the minimum fine from seven days to 30 days.
Proponents say the extension is intended to provide financial relief to traffic violators, especially in light of increasing living costs.
However, the government and the Shura Council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee strongly oppose the measure.
The committee, led by former Information Minister Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, issued a firm recommendation to reject the proposal, arguing that it could send the wrong message to the public and weaken compliance with road regulations.
“It risks undermining the spirit of the Traffic Law, which is designed to encourage prompt compliance and uphold discipline on our roads,” said Dr Al Rumaihi.
Delaying the timeline for payment could erode the deterrent effect of traffic fines and inadvertently lead to a culture of leniency towards violations, he added.
The government underscored that traffic fines were not only punitive but also preventive in nature.
Several agencies, including the ministries of Interior and Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments backed the government’s position.
Dr Al Rumaihi presented statistics to justify the committee’s stance.
“As of June 2024, serious accidents made up 48 per cent of all road incidents in Bahrain, with many resulting in fatalities. Additionally, 28pc were due to speeding and 24pc due to red-light violations,” he said.
“We cannot afford to take a lenient stance on even minor violations, as they can foster a broader culture of carelessness on our roads.”
Committee rapporteur Ali Al Aradi described the Traffic Law as one of the most crucial legislations due to its direct impact on public safety and the prevention of road accidents.
“Financial penalties must be strictly enforceable to deter violators and prevent escalation into more serious offences,” he said.
The Shura Council ultimately decided not to approve the proposal in principle, and returned it to Parliament for reconsideration.
Shura Council second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel emphasised the importance of swift legal reconciliation and warned that the proposed extension could slow the judicial process.
Meanwhile, Shura member Dr Ali Al Haddad supported a trial implementation of the amendment.
“The proposed extension is a compassionate measure in light of the global inflationary wave, including in Bahrain. Let’s give it a chance – perhaps even on a temporary basis,” he said.
Legislative and legal committee vice-chairman Shaikh Adel Al Maawada argued that the proposal could provide relief without undermining the law’s authority.
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