In Bahrain, most people prefer to drive their own car so traffic has increased over the past few years. To drive in Bahrain, foreign visitors need a valid driver license issued by the country of their residence and an International driving license. It is permitted to drive with the International driving license for up three months.

The main road traffic rules:

• Traffic moves on the right-hand of the road.
• The minimum age for driving is 18 years.
• Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front seat passengers.
• It is not permitted to drink and drive.
• Drivers must give right of way to vehicles inside the roundabout.
• Speed is measured in kilometres per hour.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.0%.
• It is not permitted to use cell phone while driving.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited whilst driving.
• The transportation of babies in front seats is not permitted.
• The speed limit is: 60 km/h (37mph) in towns, 80-100km/h (50-62mph) on open roads, 120km/h (75mph) on motorways.
• It is not permitted to turn right on a red traffic light.

Some additional information:

• The minimum age to rent a car varies from 18 to 24 years.
• All cars must be legally registered and insured.
• Drivers must carry their driver licenses.
• Drivers should pay attention to the painted arrows on the lane; they indicate directions possible from the lane.
• At red traffic lights, drivers should always stop their cars behind the white line since most traffic lights on main roads and highways have road sensors behind the white line.
• Even at a green light, intersection with yellow markings should not be crossed if exits or turns are blocked due to congestion.
• The traffic police phone number is 199.
• If driver wants to turn left at roundabout or go back the way he came, he must hold the left lane.
• As a rule, traffic signals display four phase: green = amber = red = red-amber = green.
• Directional and advice signs are written in Arabic and English languages.
• Bahrain has a good system of major highways. All highways have street lighting.
• Parking on the road is not permitted except in marked bays.
• In the case of non-injury accidents, drivers should get their vehicles off the road and call to police. They will be directed to one of centers to file the accident report which must be filed within 24 hours of the accident. Drivers may be not permitted to leave Bahrain until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings.
• Women are permitted to drive in Bahrain.

 

Bahrain Road Marking

Bahrain Road Traffic Signs

 Driving Overseas - Short Information