The General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior in Bahrain has implemented a new regulation requiring vehicles up to ten years old, built between 2015 and 2024, to be inspected at licensed external testing centers. This policy came into effect on August 1st and applies to all private vehicles, motorbikes, and passenger transport vehicles weighing up to 3000 kg. Both new and used vehicles are eligible for inspection at these approved centers. The inspection fee at private centers is set at 11 dinars, which is 6 dinars more than the fee at traffic centers.
To facilitate the inspection process for citizens, the General Directorate of Traffic is collaborating with car companies to establish technical service centers. Currently, there are approximately 8 private inspection centers across the kingdom, with more expected to open soon. The General Directorate of Traffic plans to move to the second phase of outsourcing inspections to private centers starting in July 2025. During this phase, licensed private centers will handle inspections for all light vehicles and motorbikes. By July 1, 2025, the third phase will see this service extended to include all vehicle types, such as heavy vehicles and public transport.
The shift towards outsourcing vehicle inspections to private centers is aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road. By working with licensed external testing centers, the General Directorate of Traffic aims to streamline the inspection process for vehicle owners and improve compliance with safety standards. This initiative will also allow for better monitoring and regulation of vehicle inspections, ultimately leading to a safer driving environment for all road users in Bahrain.
With the implementation of this new regulation, vehicle owners in Bahrain will need to be aware of the requirements and deadlines for inspection at licensed external testing centers. Those with vehicles built between 2015 and 2024 will need to ensure they comply with the new policy to avoid any penalties or fines. By collaborating with car companies to set up technical service centers, the General Directorate of Traffic is taking steps to make the inspection process more convenient and accessible for citizens across the kingdom.
Overall, the introduction of this new policy by the General Directorate of Traffic in Bahrain represents a proactive approach to improving vehicle safety and compliance with inspection standards. By outsourcing inspections to licensed external testing centers, the government is demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users. Vehicle owners in Bahrain should stay informed about the requirements and deadlines for inspections at approved centers to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues. Through this initiative, the General Directorate of Traffic is working towards creating a safer and more efficient road network for the benefit of all citizens in the kingdom.