Bahrain traffic fines online 2026: check & pay with eKey

Quick answer: You can check and pay Bahrain traffic fines online instantly on the eTraffic portal (services.bahrain.bh) or the MyGov app using your CPR and eKey two‑factor authentication. Credit/debit cards and local eWallets are accepted with no surcharge, and paid fines clear from your record within 24 hours.

What you need before you start

• Valid CPR card (or GCC national ID for citizens of other GCC states).
• Vehicle registration card (Istimara) or the plate number.
• eKey authenticator app installed and registered on your phone (mandatory for GCC citizens since January 2026).
• Active Bahraini mobile number for OTP verification.
• Payment card or eWallet linked to a Bahrain‑issued bank account (Visa, Mastercard, BenefitPay, Apple Pay).

If you are a visitor driving a rental car, the rental company usually settles fines on your behalf, but you should still verify the status on the portal before leaving the country. Expats who have not yet migrated to eKey can still use SMS OTP for login, though the government encourages everyone to switch to eKey for stronger security.

How to check Bahrain traffic fines online (step‑by‑step)

1. Open services.bahrain.bh on desktop or launch the MyGov app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Tap Login and enter your CPR number (Central Population Register).
3. Approve the eKey two‑factor authentication push notification on your registered phone. If the push doesn't arrive, use the OTP generated in the eKey app.
4. Select Traffic Services → View Fines.
5. Enter the vehicle plate number or driving licence number. The system returns every pending fine with violation type, date, location, amount (BHD) and penalty points.
6. Download or screenshot the list for your records. You can also export a PDF from the portal.

Tip: Keep your mobile number up to date in the eTraffic profile; the BHD 2.5 contact‑detail update fee applies each time you change it. If you own multiple vehicles, you can check fines for each by entering the plate numbers one after another — the portal does not require you to log out between checks.

How to pay Bahrain traffic fines online (credit card, debit card, eWallet)

After reviewing the fines, payment takes less than a minute.

1. Check the boxes next to the fines you want to settle.
2. Choose a payment method: Visa, Mastercard, BenefitPay, or Apple Pay. All cards must be issued by a Bahrain‑based bank.
3. Confirm the total amount — there is no surcharge for online payment.
4. Authorise the transaction with your card PIN or biometric authentication.
5. You receive an instant payment reference number plus an SMS/email receipt.

The portal marks the fines as Paid immediately. The vehicle record synchronises across Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MoTT) systems within 24 hours. If you need a formal clearance certificate for visa renewal or vehicle sale, you can request it from the same portal under Traffic Services → Clearance Certificate (fee: BHD 1).

Payment methods compared

Bahrain traffic fine amounts 2026: red‑light, speeding, parking & more

The 2026 revision introduced new brackets for the most common offences. The table below reflects the current ranges as published by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.

Fines for commercial vehicles and heavy trucks follow a separate schedule with higher maximums; check the MoTT website for the latest gazette. For example, overweight trucks can incur fines up to BHD 500 and 8 penalty points.

Penalty points and licence suspension timeline

• Accumulating 12 penalty points triggers an automatic 3‑month licence suspension.
• Points reset after 12 consecutive months of clean driving (no new violations).
• Suspension periods escalate for repeat offences: 6 months for a second suspension within 3 years, 12 months for a third.
• You can check your Bahrain driving licence penalty points in the eTraffic portal under Traffic Services → Licence Status.

If your licence is suspended, you must surrender it to the Traffic Directorate and complete a mandatory awareness course before reinstatement. The course fee is BHD 30 and can be booked through the portal.

Smart traffic camera locations in Bahrain (2026 map & counts)

As of October 2026, the smart camera network comprises over 350 units covering major highways (Sheikh Isa, Sheikh Khalifa, Budaiya), urban intersections, and the King Fahd Causeway. Cameras detect speeding, red‑light violations, illegal lane changes, and mobile‑phone use. The MoTT publishes a quarterly heat‑map of violation hotspots; drivers can view it in the MyGov app under Traffic → Camera Map.

Why you must clear fines before travel

Unpaid traffic fines in Bahrain can lead to a travel ban at the airport or land border. The General Directorate of Traffic shares data with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) daily. If you have outstanding fines exceeding BHD 50, the system flags your CPR and you will be stopped at immigration until the balance is settled. This applies to both residents and visitors. The ban is lifted automatically once payment is confirmed (usually within 15 minutes). To avoid last‑minute stress, check your fines at least 48 hours before departure.

Visitors who leave the country with unpaid fines may find their re‑entry denied or face a court summons on their next visit. Rental companies often charge an admin fee (BHD 5‑10) per fine they pay on your behalf, so it's cheaper to settle them yourself.

How to set up eKey if you haven't already

eKey is the government's two‑factor authentication app. Since January 2026 it is mandatory for all GCC citizens accessing eTraffic. Setup takes about 10 minutes:

1. Download eKey from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and choose Register with CPR.
3. Enter your CPR number and the OTP sent to your registered Bahraini mobile.
4. Create a 6‑digit PIN and enable biometric login (FaceID/TouchID).
5. You will receive a confirmation SMS; your eKey is now ready for eTraffic, MyGov, and other government portals.

If you lose your phone, visit any eKey service centre (located in Isa Town, Muharraq, and Bahrain Mall) with your CPR to re‑register. Expats can still use SMS OTP for now, but the government has announced a phased migration to eKey for all residents by late 2026.

MyGov app vs eTraffic web portal: which to use

Most residents prefer the app for push alerts; the web portal is better for printing long histories. Both platforms share the same backend, so a payment made on one reflects instantly on the other.

Common payment errors and how to fix them

• "Card not supported" – Ensure the card is issued by a Bahraini bank. International cards (even Visa/Mastercard) are rejected.
• "Insufficient funds" – Some banks place a temporary hold; wait 5 minutes and retry.
• "eKey push not received" – Open the eKey app manually and use the 6‑digit OTP displayed there.
• "Fine already paid" – Refresh the page; the status updates within 2 minutes. If it persists, contact the Traffic Call Centre on 199.
• "Session expired" – Log out and log back in; the portal times out after 5 minutes of inactivity.

How to dispute a traffic fine in Bahrain

If you believe a fine was issued in error, you can file an objection within 30 days of the violation date:

1. Log in to eTraffic and go to Traffic Services → Object to Fine.
2. Select the fine, choose a reason (e.g., "Vehicle not mine", "Camera malfunction", "Incorrect speed reading").
3. Upload supporting evidence: photos, rental agreement, GPS logs, or a police report.
4. Submit. The Traffic Adjudication Committee reviews within 10 working days. You will receive an SMS with the decision.

If rejected, you can appeal to the Traffic Court within 15 days (legal representation recommended). The court fee is BHD 20, refundable if you win. Keep all evidence organised; the committee rarely overturns camera‑based fines without clear proof of error.

Official contact numbers and help channels

• Traffic Call Centre: 199 (24/7, Arabic & English)
• eKey Support: 8000‑8000
• MyGov Helpdesk: bahrain.bh → Contact Us
• Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications: +973 1781 1111

Recent changes in 2026 traffic law

• New smart camera network added 120 units across highways (Sheikh Isa, Sheikh Khalifa, Budaiya).
• Fine for not wearing seatbelt (rear passengers) increased to BHD 20.
• Introduction of variable speed limits on King Fahd Causeway – fines now depend on electronic signs.
• eKey mandatory for all GCC nationals; expats can still use SMS OTP but are encouraged to migrate.
• New points‑based licence system for professional drivers (taxi, bus, truck) with stricter thresholds.
• Electronic parking meters in Manama now linked to eTraffic; unpaid parking tickets appear automatically in your fine list.

Tips for expats and visitors

• Rental companies often charge an admin fee (BHD 5‑10) per fine they pay on your behalf. Ask for the receipt.
• If you hold an international driving permit, you can still check fines using the vehicle plate number only.
• Keep a screenshot of the "Paid" confirmation; border officers occasionally request it.
• Set a calendar reminder to check fines monthly – new cameras mean more automated tickets.
• If you sell your vehicle, obtain a clearance certificate (BHD 1) to prove no outstanding fines; the buyer will need it for registration transfer.

Key takeaways

• Check and pay Bahrain traffic fines online via eTraffic or MyGov using CPR + eKey.
• No surcharge for online payment; Visa, Mastercard, BenefitPay, Apple Pay accepted.
• Unpaid fines over BHD 50 trigger travel bans – clear them 48 hours before flying.
• Penalty points reset after 12 clean months; 12 points = 3‑month licence suspension.
• Dispute window is 30 days; use the portal's objection feature with evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Photos: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Zairon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0