Driving In Bahrain: A Beginner's Guide To Getting Started

If you're planning to drive in Bahrain, there are a few things you need to know. First off, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving licence recognised in your country of residence. If you're an expat or a tourist, an international driving licence will be required, and residents must convert this into a local driving licence. It is also important to note that you will need a Population Registration Card (CPR) to purchase a car in Bahrain. When driving, always carry your licence, registration documents, and insurance papers with you, and be sure to follow the local road rules, such as driving on the right-hand side of the road, wearing a seatbelt, and not using your mobile phone.

Driving licences and requirements

To drive in Bahrain, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving licence from your country of residence. Expats who have recently moved to Bahrain can use their driving licence from their home country for a short period, but it is recommended that they obtain an international driving licence beforehand, which is valid for a year and recognised worldwide.

To obtain a Bahraini driving licence, you must go to the Traffic Department and pass eye tests, including eyesight and colour differentiation. You will then need to submit the following:

• A completed application form
• Your original passport and a copy, with your resident visa
• Your original and copy of your CPR (Bahraini identity document)
• Your original national and international driving licences
• Two passport photos
• A fee of 26.500 BHD

If you are a tourist or a new expat, you can drive using your international driving licence. However, as a resident, you must convert it into a local driving licence. Depending on your country of origin, you may not need to take any driving tests to convert your licence.

If you are renting a car, you will usually need to be over 21 or 25 years old, depending on the rental company and the car model. Rental companies often require an international driving permit for foreigners.

It is important to always carry your driver's licence, registration documents, and insurance documents while driving in Bahrain.

Driving laws and regulations

If you're planning to drive in Bahrain, it's important to familiarise yourself with the country's driving laws and regulations. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the roads safely and confidently:

Obtaining a Driving Licence:

To drive in Bahrain, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driving licence recognised in your country of residence. Expats who have recently moved to Bahrain can use their domestic driving licence for a short period, depending on their country of origin. It is recommended to obtain an international driving permit before your arrival, as it is valid for a year and recognised worldwide.

You can obtain a Bahraini driving licence by taking an evaluation test through the General Directorate of Traffic in Isa Town, Bahrain.

Insurance and Rental:

Insuring your vehicle is mandatory in Bahrain. Rental companies typically offer insurance services if it is not included in the rental price. If you own a vehicle, you can use an insurance broker to obtain coverage. It is advisable to shop around for insurance quotes to find the best rates.

When renting a car in Bahrain, you must be over 21 years old, and in some cases, the minimum age may be 24 or 25, especially for more expensive models. The rental process is straightforward, with many car rental companies offering daily, weekly, or monthly packages.

Road Rules and Regulations:

Bahrain drives on the right-hand side of the road. Here are some essential road rules to follow:

• Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front-seat passenger. Children under 10 must sit in the rear, either in a child seat or wearing a seat belt.
• Mobile Phone Usage: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. You may only use a hands-free system.
• Smoking, Eating, and Drinking: Smoking, eating, and drinking (non-water) are strictly prohibited while driving.
• Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, and use the left lane if you intend to turn left or go back the way you came.
• Traffic Lights: It is illegal to turn right on a red light, and you must stop behind the white line at red lights due to road sensors.
• Parking: Parking on the road is generally not permitted; look for marked bays or parking lots.
• Traffic Signs and Arrows: Pay attention to directional signs and painted arrows on the lanes, as they indicate the possible directions from each lane.
• Speed Limits: The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h (75 mph), while in cities, it's usually 60 km/h (37 mph).
• Alcohol and Substance Violations: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.0%. Violators face fines and jail time, and causing an accident while intoxicated results in more severe penalties.
• Other Violations: Be mindful of other traffic violations that can incur fines, such as allowing children under 10 in the front seat, not yielding to emergency vehicles, driving without lights, or causing damage to traffic signs or property.

Traffic Safety and Awareness:

Bahrain implements Traffic Law No. 23 of 2014, which includes the installation of smart systems to catch offenders who speed or run red lights, leading to a decrease in accidents. The country also observes Traffic Week in March annually to educate the public about traffic safety and the importance of adhering to laws and guidelines.

Car rental and insurance

When renting a car in Bahrain, the company you rent from will offer insurance services if they are not included in the rental price. Rental car insurance typically covers collision damage, loss damage, personal accident, roadside assistance, and more. Basic collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance is mandatory and included in the rental price, but it often has a high excess payable for damages. You can also purchase a super collision damage waiver (SCDW) to reduce your excess to zero.

It is recommended to pay a small daily fee for a collision damage waiver to avoid high costs in the event of an accident. Additionally, personal accident insurance (PAI) is optional and covers the driver and passengers for accidental medical costs, emergency care, and accidental death during the rental period.

Before renting a car in Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the country's road rules and regulations. These include driving on the right-hand side of the road, wearing seatbelts, and prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, except with a hands-free system. Smoking, drinking, and eating are also prohibited while driving.

To rent a car in Bahrain, you must be at least 21 years old (or 25 for certain car models) and have a valid driving license from your country of residence for at least two years. An international driving permit is often required for foreigners. When driving, you must carry your driver's license, registration documents, and insurance documents with you at all times.

If you are planning to stay in Bahrain for an extended period, you may want to consider purchasing a car. To do so, you will need a Population Registration Card (CPR). There are many car showrooms located on the highway in Sitra, and expats looking to return home often park their cars for sale along the road into Juffair.

Traffic rules and road safety

Bahrain's traffic safety standards meet regional and global standards. The country employs a unique approach to traffic management, utilising an intermittent flashing green light system, which provides drivers with ample warning before the transition to yellow and subsequently red. This system significantly improves road safety and reduces the number of traffic accidents.

Driving Rules

• In Bahrain, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• The speed limits are as follows: City: 60 kph (37 mph); Outside city: 80-100 kph (50-62 mph); Highways: 120 kph (75 mph).
• It is illegal to turn right at a red traffic light.
• It is prohibited to drink and drive in Bahrain. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0%.
• Smoking while driving is strictly prohibited.
• Eating and drinking are also prohibited while driving.
• Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front-seat passenger. However, all passengers are advised to wear seat belts.
• Small children and babies must be seated in the back of the vehicle.
• The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
• At roundabouts, drivers must give the right of way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
• If a driver wants to turn left at a roundabout or go back the way they came, they must hold the left lane.
• Drivers should always stop their cars behind the white line at red traffic lights, as most traffic lights on main roads and highways have road sensors behind the line.
• Drivers should pay attention to the painted arrows on the lane, as they indicate the possible directions from that lane.
• Even at a green light, intersections with yellow markings should not be crossed if exits or turns are blocked due to congestion.
• Parking on the road is not permitted except in marked bays.
• It is vital to insure your car while in Bahrain. If renting a car, the company will offer insurance services if they are not included in the price.
• It is often advised to pay a small fee per day for a collision damage waiver to avoid huge costs in case of an accident.
• In the case of non-injury accidents, drivers should move their vehicles off the road and call the police. An accident report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident.

Traffic Violations and Fines

Bahrain implements the following traffic rules and regulations to maintain order and safety for everyone on the road:

• Traffic violations, such as allowing a child under 10 years old to sit in the front seat, not using a seatbelt, driving without lights, or causing damage to public or private property, can result in fines ranging from BD 20 to BD 100.
• Severe traffic violations, including driving without a license, driving a vehicle without breaks, or modifying a vehicle's major parts without permission, can lead to fines ranging from BD 50 to BD 500 and/or jail time of up to 6 months.
• Traffic signal violations, such as jumping a red light, can result in fines ranging from BD 100 to BD 500 and possible jail time. Causing injury or a fatal accident due to jumping a red light will lead to increased penalties.
• Speeding violations are fined based on the percentage of the speed limit exceeded. Speeding up to 30% of the limit can result in a fine of BD 50 to BD 250 and possible jail time. Speeding above 30% can lead to a fine of BD 100 to BD 500 and/or jail time. Causing injury or a fatal accident due to speeding will result in doubled penalties.
• Substance violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carry strict penalties. Fines range from BD 500 to BD 1000, and mandatory imprisonment terms range from one month to one year. Causing a traffic accident while under the influence will result in increased fines and jail time.

Driving directions and navigation

Driving in Bahrain is on the right-hand side of the road. The roads in major towns are generally well-maintained and are four to six lanes wide. The roads in smaller towns and villages tend to be narrow and twisting. There are plenty of petrol stations in Bahrain, which are open for different hours depending on location. Most will accept international credit cards.

There are no tolls in Bahrain, but there are speed limits and speed cameras posted on roads. The speed limits are 60km/h in towns and residential areas, 80-100km/h on open roads, and 120km/h on highways. It is common for drivers to drive up to 50km/h over the posted speed limit, but there are repercussions for breaking the speed limit and fines can go as high as BD100 or six months in prison.

To drive in Bahrain, you must be at least 18 years old and have a full driving licence that is valid in your country of residence. You will also need an international driving licence. If you are a resident, you must convert your international driving licence into a local one. To do this, go to the Traffic Department and pass some tests with an eye doctor, including eyesight and colour differentiation tests. You must then submit the application form, your original and copy of your passport with a resident visa, the original and copy of your CPR, your original national and international driving licences, two passport photos, and a few dinars.

Directional and advice signs are written in Arabic and English. At roundabouts, drivers must give right of way to vehicles inside the roundabout. If a driver wants to turn left at a roundabout or go back the way they came, they must hold the left lane. It is not permitted to turn right at a red traffic light. At red traffic lights, drivers should always stop their cars behind the white line, as most traffic lights on main roads and highways have road sensors behind the white line.

Drivers should pay attention to the painted arrows on the lane, which indicate the possible directions from that lane. Even at a green light, intersections with yellow markings should not be crossed if exits or turns are blocked due to congestion.

Frequently asked questions