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Vehicle Standards & Equipment

All vehicles on Bahamian roads must meet minimum safety standards. These requirements are set out in the Road Traffic Act to ensure that every vehicle is safe to operate and does not pose a danger to other road users.

Lighting & Visibility

Every vehicle must have working lights and reflectors:

  • Headlamps that can be dimmed when approaching other traffic
  • Rear lamps visible at night
  • Brake lights and stop lamps
  • Working turn signals

Drivers must dip headlights at least 300 yards from oncoming vehicles at night.

Mirrors, Horns & Safety Features

All vehicles must be fitted with:

  • A mirror that gives the driver a clear view to the rear
  • A horn or warning device in good working order
  • Windshield wipers (for vehicles with windscreens)

Tyres & Mechanical Condition

Vehicles must be kept in good mechanical condition [1] :

  • Brakes and steering in proper working order
  • Tyres with sufficient tread, free from dangerous defects
  • Exhaust systems in safe condition, without excessive noise, smoke, or vibration

Police may stop a vehicle and order repairs if defects are found. Failure to comply is an offence and carries an $80 fine [2] .

Courts may suspend or cancel a driver’s licence following conviction for defective condition or equipment offences [3] .

Loads

If carrying a load that extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle, the driver must:

  • Display a red flag during the day
  • Display a red light at night [4]

Loads must be properly secured so they cannot fall or shift dangerously.

Prohibited Modifications

Drivers must not operate vehicles with alterations that make them unsafe or non-compliant with the Act, such as:

  • Removing silencers from exhausts
  • Fitting unsafe tyres
  • Modifying lights or signals so they are misleading

Why It Matters

These standards exist to keep vehicles roadworthy and safe for everyone. Driving a defective or improperly equipped vehicle is not only unsafe — it is against the law and may result in fines, penalties, or removal of the vehicle from the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lights must my vehicle have?
Every vehicle must have working headlamps, rear lamps, brake lights, and turn signals. Headlamps must be dipped when meeting oncoming traffic at night.
Do I need a horn in my vehicle?
Yes. Every motor vehicle must be fitted with a working horn or warning device.
What happens if my vehicle has bald tyres?
Driving with tyres that are unsafe or without sufficient tread is an offence. Vehicles must be kept in good mechanical condition, including brakes, tyres, and steering.
How must I mark an overhanging load?
Loads extending more than 4 feet beyond the back of the vehicle must display a red flag during the day and a red light at night.
Can I modify my exhaust or lights?
No. Vehicles must not be modified in a way that makes them unsafe or misleading, such as removing exhaust silencers or altering signal lights.
  1. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 69 — Prohibits use of a motor vehicle in a defective condition likely to cause injury, noise, vibration, smoke, or escape of materials. ↩
  2. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 70 — Police may inspect vehicles; defective equipment must be repaired immediately. Offences attract an $80 fine. ↩
  3. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 71 — Courts may suspend or cancel licences on conviction of defective condition or equipment offences. ↩
  4. Highway Code (Bahamas), Rule 103 — Loads projecting more than 4 feet must display a red flag by day and a red light by night. ↩
What do you want to do?
Which problem did you find? (tick all that apply)