Bahrain's tough new traffic law will first be revised by parliament due to differences over various articles - especially those related to punishment.

The Shura Council members have passed a new traffic law that includes jail sentences for speeding, jumping red lights and using the phone while driving, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Articles that councillors were deadlocked over for the past four weeks were yesterday approved in line with recommendations presented by the council's foreign affairs, national security and defence committee.

The version approved yesterday allows the opening of private driving learning schools and imposes fines of BD50 ($131) to BD500 - and jail sentences of up to six months - for those caught driving unregistered vehicles, racing or deliberately skidding.

People caught using their mobile phone while driving also face up to six months in jail, while those who exceed the speed limit by 30 per cent face fines of BD50 to BD250 and up to three months behind bars.

People who operate illegal taxis or buses face up to six months in jail and fines of BD100 to BD1,000, while official operators, managers and drivers who flout safety rules face the same punishments.

Drivers who jump red lights could face up to six months in jail and fines of between BD100 and BD500, but if it leads to an accident the jail term could be one year and the fine between BD1,000 and BD3,000.

The punishment would double if it resulted in a fatality.

Meanwhile, the Shura Council approved a new article obliging parents to fit special seats for toddlers and children in the back of vehicles. - TradeArabia News Service