The Shura Council is set to vote on Sunday on whether to approve a royal decree amending the 2014 Traffic Law to introduce significantly tougher penalties for dangerous driving, reckless behaviour and major traffic violations amid a sharp rise in serious road accidents.
It follows a detailed study by the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee and Parliament’s approval earlier this month.
Committee chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi said there was an urgent need and clear constitutional justification.
“The rise in severe traffic accidents, including incidents that have claimed entire families, leaves no doubt that stronger legal deterrence is essential,” he said.
“The existing provisions of the 2014 Traffic Law are no longer sufficient to address the magnitude of dangerous behaviours we are witnessing on the roads.”
According to the committee, the decree meets the constitutional criteria for issuance under Article (38), which allows His Majesty King Hamad to enact laws by decree in urgent situations while the National Assembly is out of session.
The decree amends and replaces several articles of the 2014 Traffic Law and introduces new ones, most notably:
- Harsher penalties for reckless driving, driving against the traffic, speeding and driving under the influence.
- Two new articles (51 bis and 51 bis 1) that increase penalties in cases leading to death or injury of multiple victims.
- Expanded legal definitions and responsibilities to cover dangerous behaviours not fully addressed in earlier legislation.
Dr Al Rumaihi stressed that the amendments aimed not only to increase penalties but also to modernise the law.
“Traffic patterns have changed dramatically due to urban expansion, population growth and the sharp rise in the number of vehicles,” he explained.
“We cannot tolerate behaviours that endanger the right to life and the safety of others.
“This decree reinforces accountability and sends a clear message that dangerous driving will not be treated lightly.”
He added that stronger financial penalties and potential imprisonment would help curb repeat offenders and enhance overall traffic discipline.
Meanwhile, the Shura Council will also review and vote on two other royal decrees issued by the King during recess amending the 2014 Traffic Law, the 1976 Penal Code and the 2002 Criminal Procedures Law.
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