KUWAIT CITY, Sept 29: Kuwait is set to introduce a new traffic law in the coming days, according to First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The law aims to increase penalties for serious traffic violations that pose significant risks to road users. Sheikh Fahad made the announcement during a security campaign he supervised in Hawally yesterday evening.

The primary objective of the new traffic law is to safeguard road users and protect them from reckless drivers. Sheikh Fahad emphasized that individuals who comply with the law will not face severe penalties. Law-abiding citizens, he reassured, will not be affected by the stricter regulations. The ongoing field campaigns, which target violators, are a key part of these efforts.

Over the past two days, Sheikh Fahad has overseen security campaigns conducted by field security agencies across all governorates. The campaigns aim to monitor the security situation and arrest individuals violating residency and traffic laws, as well as reckless drivers and others who operate outside the law.

Major General Yousef Al-Khudda, Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operations Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, outlined that the new traffic law will impose increased penalties for various offenses, including speeding, running red lights, parking in disabled spaces, reckless driving, failure to wear seat belts, and using mobile phones while driving.

To enhance enforcement, the General Traffic Department has begun installing 252 cameras to detect violations related to seat belts and mobile phone use. These cameras, expected to be fully operational within two months, will work around the clock alongside others connected to the traffic control room.

Al-Khudda stressed that the new traffic law targets individuals who ignore traffic regulations and endanger the lives of others. In coordination with the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media, a media campaign will be launched to inform the public about the law's provisions and the increased fines for serious violations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Public Relations and Security Media reported that several security sectors, including the Special Security Forces, Public Security, Traffic and Operations, and Criminal Security, conducted an extensive security campaign in the Hawalli and Jabriya areas over the weekend. These operations, led by Sheikh Fahad, are part of the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance security.

During the campaigns, authorities issued 2,695 traffic violations, impounded a vehicle and a motorcycle, and arrested 32 people without identification, along with 35 residency and work law violators. In addition, 15 wanted vehicles were seized, 26 absconders were detained, 9 vehicles and motorcycles were confiscated, 27 individuals wanted by arrest warrants were apprehended, and 6 people were arrested for possessing narcotics and intoxicants.

The General Department of Public Relations and Security Media highlighted the active role of female police officers during the campaign, particularly in handling violations involving women. Their presence underscores the ministry’s commitment to maintaining a comprehensive security environment for all citizens and residents.

Sheikh Fahad affirmed the ministry’s determination to continue its security and traffic campaigns as part of its strategic plan to ensure nationwide security.

Hawalli Governorate Security Director Brigadier Ziad Al-Khatib confirmed that field security campaigns are ongoing, with the goal of imposing security control, pursuing wanted individuals, and arresting violators of residency and labor laws, as well as reckless drivers and traffic offenders. Al-Khatib noted that two recent campaigns in the Hawalli and Jabriya areas resulted in the issuance of 2,695 traffic violations, the arrest of 42 wanted individuals, 6 narcotics-related arrests, the seizure of 19 wanted vehicles, and the referral of 9 vehicles to the impound garage.