Never fear if you have plans that involve driving in Bahrain. We are here with a guide to help you learn about rules and regulations, speed limits, and other important information to know before getting behind the wheel of a car on this island in the Persian Gulf. Off we go!
Rules and Regulations
- Drive on the right-hand side.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and passengers in the front seat. However, you should ensure that all passengers wear a seat belt when traveling.
- Small children and babies must be seated in the back of the vehicle.
- The use of mobile phones while driving is not allowed unless you have a hands free set attached.
- It is prohibited to drink and drive in Bahrain. Any level of alcohol in your bloodstream will result in steep penalties.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited while driving.
- At roundabouts, drivers must give right of way to vehicles already inside.
- If a driver wants to turn left at a roundabout or go back the way he came, he 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 since most traffic lights on main roads and highways have road sensors there that signal the lights to change.
- Drivers who flash their vehicle’s high beam headlights usually do so because they want to pass.
- Parking on the road is not permitted except in marked bays.
- Drivers should pay attention to the arrows painted on the lane because they indicate the direction of movement possible from the lane.
- Even at a green light, intersections with yellow markings should not be crossed if exits or turns are blocked due to congestion.
Speed Limits
The speeds listed here are the standard legal limits. Variations will be signposted.
| Within city limits | 60 kph (37 mph) |
| Outside city limits | 80-100 kph (50-62 mph) |
| Motorways | 120 kph (75 mph) |
Additional Information
- Drivers must carry their driver’s licenses with them at all times.
- An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is also required.
- In the case of non-injury accidents, drivers should get their vehicles off the road and call the police. An accident report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident. Drivers are not allowed to leave Bahrain until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings.
- Drivers in Bahrain use a danger signal to indicate immediate stopping or a hazard ahead (such as an accident, or obstacle in the middle of the street).
- Road signs are written in Arabic and English languages.
- Bahrain has a good system of major highways with good street lighting.
- SIXT has branches in Manama and Riffa, including one located at Bahrain International Airport.
