Stricter Traffic Law hits Kuwait’s roads

21/04/2025

Stricter Traffic Law hits Kuwait’s roads

No more warnings: Kuwait implements tough traffic laws on Tuesday, April 22.

KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The Ministry of Interior has announced that the implementation of the revised Traffic Law will start on Tuesday, stressing the need to strictly comply with traffic regulations. In a press statement released by the Public Relations and Security Media Department on Sunday, the ministry revealed the major amendments, particularly the stipulation allowing law enforcement personnel to apprehend those who violate traffic signals, utilize vehicles for unauthorized purposes or engage in the unlicensed transportation of passengers.

Furthermore, the new law also authorizes the enforcers to nab those driving in a reckless, negligent or dangerous manner; driving without or with an invalid license or driving a vehicle without registration plates. It allows the arrest of those driving under the infl uence of intoxicating substances, those causing accidents resulting in injury or fatality, those participating in unauthorized vehicular races, individuals attempting to evade responsibility following an accident causing harm, and those who disregard a lawful order to stop. Arrests may also take place for those exceeding speed limits by more than 50 kilometers per hour or driving recreational vehicles in unauthorized areas. The new law stipulates significant fine increases as follows:

* Running a red light: increased from KD50 to KD150
* Parking on spaces designated for persons with disabilities: increased from KD10 to KD150
* Using a mobile phone while driving: increased from KD5 to KD75
* Non-compliance with seat belt regulations: increased from KD10 to KD30
* Reckless driving: increased from KD30 to KD150

Certain offenses are deemed non-reconcilable and will be referred to the appropriate judicial authority.

These are categorized into three tiers:
* The first category includes those driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs or psychotropic substances, with fines ranging from KD1,000 to KD 3,000 and imprisonment from one to two years.
* The second category addresses incidents involving driving under the influence and causing property damage, with fines between KD 2,000 and KD 3,000, and imprisonment from one to three years.
* The third category concerns driving under the influence resulting in personal injury or fatality, with fines ranging from KD 2,000 to KD 5,000, and imprisonment from two to five years.

They affirmed that these augmented penalties aim to enhance road safety and safeguard all road users. Citizens and expatriates are strongly advised to exercise due diligence and adhere to all regulations to avert penalties and familiarize themselves with the details of these amendments. An ongoing public awareness campaign complements the implementation of this revised legislation to inform the public about the major amendments and reinforce traffic safety and security measures. Meanwhile, the General Traffic Department (GTD) at the Interior Ministry continued its traffic campaigns in various governorates.

The campaigns carried out last week resulted in the issuance of 51,759 traffic violation citations, impoundment of six vehicles, arrest of 47 individuals, and referral of 58 juveniles to the Juvenile Prosecution for driving without a license. The weekly statistics of GTD showed the impoundment of 56 wanted vehicles, and arrest of 66 individuals wanted by law for involvement in criminal and civil cases, and 37 individuals who violated the Residency Law. The statistics also indicated that the department dealt with 1,204 traffic accidents, some of which led to 286 injuries.

Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff