KUWAIT CITY, April 13: A Ministerial Decision No. 560/2025 has been issued by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al- Sabah to amend some provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 81/1976. The amendments include the addition of a new clause No. 59 to Article 204-bis concerning the executive regulations of the Traffic Law and its amendments. The newly added clause stipulates, “A fee of KD10 shall be charged for printing driving licenses for expatriates.” The decision, which has been published in the official gazette “Kuwait Al-Youm”, stipulates that the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior shall implement the decision, and it will come into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette In other news, Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf confirmed the humanitarian approach of the General Traffic Department (GTD) in the strict implementation of the new traffic law. He disclosed there is a reconciliation order for traffic violations, which are viewed from a humanitarian perspective.

“Grave traffic violations that cause fatal accidents will be subject to the maximum penalties, depending on the crime committed by the violator,” he clarified. He made this statement to reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the 38th Unified Gulf Traffic Week, with the theme, “Driving without a Phone,” at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the Avenues Mall. Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operations Affairs Major General Yousef Al-Khudah and senior security officials from GTD attended the event, which included the opening of an awareness exhibition at the Avenues Mall. “The goal of the new traffic law is to protect the lives of road users and reduce traffic accidents,” Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf revealed; while urging drivers to comply with the law to guarantee their safety while driving. He pointed out that this year’s Unified Gulf Traffic Week aims to spread traffic awareness, promote the culture of adhering to traffic rules, protect lives and properties, and instill safe traffic behavior in Gulf societies.

He stated “I am pleased to convey the greetings of acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, and his wishes for the success of the event and to achieve the desired goals.” He added the Unified Gulf Traffic Week is an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between security agencies and community engagement, contributing to the reduction of traffic accidents and to ensure a safer and more disciplined traffic environment. “We would like to remind you that the new traffic law will take effect on April 22. It includes amendments aimed at raising road safety and enhancing compliance with traffic regulations. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those participating and supporting these events, asking Allah Almighty to crown our efforts with success, for the good of our beloved country and the safety of its citizens,” he concluded. Director General of GTD Brigadier Jamal Al-Foudari said “community participation has become an absolute necessity to overcome traffic challenges and find optimal solutions to reduce the loss of lives on the roads due to traffic accidents, which are often the direct result of committing violations. This can only be achieved through the cooperation of public and private institutions. They must shoulder their responsibilities and actively contribute to spreading traffic awareness, starting within institutions and extending to society as a whole.”

He added that the slogan of the Unified Gulf Traffic Week embodies 38 years of joint cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the field of traffic awareness and emphasizes the importance of several concepts, all of which serve a single goal -- preserving lives. “This slogan is translated into practical action by the organizing committee of the event. The committee appreciates your presence and support, and considers them a major motivation to continue its efforts to intensify traffic awareness. Today, we are on the cusp of a new phase -- the implementation of the amended Traffic Law. Through this, we aspire to raise awareness among road users and reduce the rates of accidents, injuries and deaths by utilizing all available technological means and leveraging digital development in all services and fields.” He thanked all employees at GTD, the organizing committee of the Unified Gulf Traffic Week, and the contributing companies and media outlets for their continuous support for this event throughout the year.

By Munif Naif
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff