Reckless driving fine jumps 400% to 150 dinars

KUWAIT CITY, July 30: Director of the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior Brigadier Nasser Bousleib affirmed that the ministry is working on issuing a new traffic law, and increasing fines and penalties for some traffic violations. He highlighted the tightening of fines for offenses such as crossing the red light, which previously incurred a fine of KD 50 but now carries a KD 150 penalty under the new law. Additionally, penalties for reckless driving violations will increase to KD 150 from KD 30, with the possibility of vehicle impoundment.

During an interview on a news channel, Brigadier Bousleib revealed about the plans for the application of home-impoundment of vehicles, similar to some countries, indicating that this initiative is currently being developed to establish a framework for its implementation under the new traffic law. He outlined the implementation of a traffic system points scheme, through which repeated violations result in the deduction of points until the license is revoked. To obtain a new license, individuals must undergo a new procedure. Regarding vehicle impoundment, Brigadier Bousleib clarified that the previously conducted impoundments by the General Traffic Department were for vehicles subject to court rulings, with ownership subsequently reverted to the state.

He said, “Traffic accidents last year resulted in the death of about 300 people, most of whom were young people. We are working to protect them by increasing the penalties in the new traffic law to be a deterrent to some serious violations. The current law is about 30 years old”. Brigadier Bousleib disclosed that all cameras installed at intersections are manned by personnel who monitor traffic violations, especially reckless driving, adding that they capture footage of violators and issue tickets directly. He explained that traffic detectives track the movements of reckless drivers from the groups that they create to decide on the place and time to perform reckless stunts with their vehicles.

The detectives then go to these locations and film them, after which the suspects are summoned for necessary measures including the impoundment of their vehicles. Brigadier Bousleib highlighted the responsibility of parents to monitor their children, particularly if they venture out late at night to engage in reckless behavior. He affirmed that security campaigns have been effective in reducing the locations where reckless driving and stunts occur.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Bousleib revealed that violators of the residency law were given a three-month period to amend their status. Because the period coincided with Eid al-Adha, it was extended for two more weeks. He indicated that the number of expatriates who benefited from this opportunity exceeded 70,000. Brigadier Bousleib explained that the Ministry of Interior, with the participation of the Special Forces, Rescue, Traffic, Public Security, and Residency Affairs Investigations sectors, is exerting great efforts to pursue residency law violators in all areas and to carry out campaigns randomly in areas crowded with expatriates.

By Munif Naif
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff