Driving in Bahrain vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences
When exploring the roads of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, drivers will encounter notable variations in regulations and practices. From distinct lane usage to contrasting speed limits, understanding these disparities is crucial for ensuring a secure travel experience. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to stay informed and navigate safely in both countries.
Lanes
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| Markings: Solid White Line | No crossing or lane changes allowed. | Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle). |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies. | Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Do not cross or straddle in either direction. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes, but limited. | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily on designated routes. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and white lines. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
bahrain:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
bahrain:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bahrain:
Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bahrain:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bahrain:
Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
bahrain:
Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
bahrain:
List length: 4
united kingdom:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bahrain:
Use rightmost lane.
united kingdom:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bahrain:
Yes, but limited.
united kingdom:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Primarily on designated routes.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Bicycle symbols and white lines.
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
bahrain:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahrain:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-40 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
bahrain:
50 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bahrain:
30-40 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
100-120 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
bahrain:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahrain:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bahrain:
Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Bahrain | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Used as a signal of road rage or aggression | Not to be used to signal other messages |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Arabic and English; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with a red border | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bahrain:
Not used in Bahrain
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bahrain:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
united kingdom:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
bahrain:
Fines for misuse
united kingdom:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
bahrain:
To warn other drivers of your presence
united kingdom:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bahrain:
Used as a signal of road rage or aggression
united kingdom:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
bahrain:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bahrain:
Triangular with a red border
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless indicated by a sign | Not permitted in the UK |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Left turns permitted; use caution |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
Right Turn On Red
bahrain:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
bahrain:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
bahrain:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
bahrain:
Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Documentation
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit often required | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual vehicle inspections mandatory | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Not displayed; records are electronic |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bahrain:
International Driving Permit often required
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bahrain:
International Driving Permit required
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bahrain:
Annual vehicle inspections mandatory
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bahrain:
Displayed on windshield
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate horn use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bahrain:
Moderate horn use compared to some countries
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bahrain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially during nighttime | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible | Substantial fines apply |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and legal actions | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bahrain:
Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
united kingdom:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Enforcement: Random Checks
bahrain:
Common, especially during nighttime
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
bahrain:
Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Test Refusal
bahrain:
Can result in license suspension and legal actions
united kingdom:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit |
Signaling: Entering
bahrain:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Lane Usage: Right
bahrain:
Use for first exit or straight
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Emergency Services
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 999 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
bahrain:
999
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
bahrain:
999
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bahrain:
Contact your insurance provider
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Bahrain | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | High fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines for non-compliance | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Heavy fines, possible license points | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can also be paid online | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
bahrain:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Alcohol
bahrain:
High fines, possible imprisonment
united kingdom:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bahrain:
Fines for non-compliance
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
bahrain:
Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bahrain:
Heavy fines, possible license points
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
bahrain:
Possible; fines can also be paid online
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
bahrain:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay