Vehicle inspection in Bahrain is undergoing a significant transition, with private centers taking on the responsibility from the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT). This shift is set to be fully completed by July 2025, as announced by Brigadier Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdul Wahhab Al Khalifa. Private centers will gradually phase in the inspection process for all vehicle categories, including light vehicles, motorcycles, heavy vehicles, and public transportation.
The transition will be carried out in three stages, with Phase 1 beginning on August 1, 2024. During this phase, private centers will start inspecting light vehicles and motorcycles that are not more than 10 years old. This will allow the GDT to focus on more specialized inspections, ensuring that all vehicles meet the required safety standards.
In Phase 2, which is expected to start in early 2025, private centers will expand their services to include inspections for all light vehicles and motorcycles, regardless of their age. This will further streamline the process for vehicle owners, making it more convenient and efficient to get their vehicles inspected at private centers.
The final stage of the transition, Phase 3, will take place on July 1, 2025. During this phase, private centers will take over inspections for all vehicle categories, including heavy vehicles and public transportation. This marks the completion of the transfer of the vehicle inspection responsibilities from the GDT to the private sector.
This transition to private vehicle inspection centers is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the inspection process in Bahrain. By partnering with private centers, the authorities aim to ensure that all vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety in the country.
Overall, this move towards private vehicle inspection centers is a positive step towards enhancing the overall vehicle inspection process in Bahrain. By implementing this transition in stages, the authorities are ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of responsibilities while ultimately improving road safety for all drivers and passengers in the country.