Bahrain’s roads and driving regulations are very similar to those in the U.S., so navigating Bahrain in a Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) is fairly easy. Roads are well marked in both English and Arabic, especially toward the main tourist sites. It’s important to note that speed limits, wearing seat belts and other traffic laws are enforced. The peak time for traffic is between 7:30am and 8:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm, and 5:00pm to 7:00pm and might stay busy until 11:00pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
Roads and Rules
Just like in the U.S., cars drive on the right side of the road and have the driver’s seat and steering wheel on their left side. Most cars from the U.S. in good condition are eligible for import to Bahrain. See the NAVSUP import link below for more information. The legal minimum age for driving is 18 years. You may drive a POV with a valid stateside driver’s license in Bahrain; no other local/international licenses are required.
Drinking and Driving
Driving in Bahrain is a serious responsibility and it is against the law to drink any amount of alcohol and then drive. Alcohol permitted in the bloodstream is 0.0% making it an offense to have had even a sip of alcohol and then get behind the wheel. Breaking this law can result in a fine and jail time. It’s important to simply not drive if you’ve had any amount to drink.
For more information about driving in Bahrain, please visit these sites:
General Department of the Ministry of Interior (in Arabic, but can be translated)
Know Before You Go to Bahrain – POVs (page 4)