Kuwait City — In a bold step to improve road safety, Kuwait has officially rolled out a new traffic regulation imposing a KD 75 (approximately $245) fine on any driver caught applying makeup while driving. This change is part of a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s traffic laws aimed at curbing distracted driving—a leading cause of road accidents nationwide.
The new law, which came into effect earlier this month, is part of Kuwait’s wider strategy to reduce the high number of traffic-related incidents. Authorities believe that personal grooming, such as applying makeup behind the wheel, significantly distracts drivers and puts lives at risk.
Tackling the Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a serious concern in Kuwait. According to the Ministry of Interior, as much as 90% of daily traffic accidents are linked to distracted behavior, which includes everything from using mobile phones and eating to grooming and reckless lane-switching.
While many assume activities like texting are the main problem, officials stress that even brief moments of inattention—such as glancing in the mirror to fix lipstick—can be deadly. Applying makeup while the vehicle is in motion divides the driver’s attention, taking focus away from the road, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
This regulation directly addresses those less obvious, but equally dangerous, habits behind the wheel.
“It’s not just about using your phone. Any distraction, including fixing your appearance, can cost lives,” said a Ministry of Interior spokesperson. “Our roads demand full attention.”
What the New Law Covers
The KD 75 fine specifically targets drivers who engage in personal grooming, such as applying makeup, while driving. This includes at stoplights or during traffic congestion. The law applies to all drivers, though authorities noted that most cases observed so far have involved women. Still, the law does not discriminate by gender—it penalizes any driver exhibiting distracted behavior.
This fine is part of a sweeping update to Kuwait’s traffic regulations that now carry significantly stiffer penalties for common offenses. These include:
- Using Mobile Phones While Driving: Fine increased from KD 5 to KD 75
- Not Wearing a Seatbelt: Fine tripled from KD 10 to KD 30
- Reckless Driving: Fine hiked from KD 30 to KD 150
- Running a Red Light: Fine jumped from KD 50 to KD 150
Kuwaiti officials believe that the revised fines reflect the seriousness of these offenses and will help change driver behavior across the country.
Tech-Powered Traffic Enforcement
To ensure compliance with the new traffic laws, Kuwait has introduced a high-tech solution: AI-powered traffic surveillance systems. These artificial intelligence cameras are now being used across major roads in Kuwait City and beyond.
These systems are capable of identifying a wide range of violations, including phone use, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, and even grooming. In just three days of operation between December 12 and 15, 2024, the AI cameras recorded more than 4,000 traffic violations, demonstrating both the scale of the issue and the efficiency of the technology.
Officials say these smart systems are making enforcement more effective by reducing the need for human intervention and catching violations in real-time.
“AI cameras allow us to monitor behavior 24/7, which is a game changer for road safety,” said a traffic department official.
Public Awareness and Education
In addition to tougher laws, the Kuwaiti government is also running public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Billboards, social media posts, and television ads emphasize the need to stay fully focused while driving and warn about the penalties for violating the updated traffic laws.
Authorities have made it clear that safety is the primary concern, not revenue generation. The goal is not to punish, but to prevent accidents and save lives.
Many drivers welcomed the new measures, acknowledging that road safety in Kuwait has long needed stronger enforcement.
“I used to see people doing all sorts of things behind the wheel—eating, doing makeup, even watching videos,” said Fatima Al-Kandari, a daily commuter. “It’s time we got serious about driving.”
Broader Road Safety Strategy
Kuwait’s updated traffic laws are part of a broader national strategy to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by traffic violations. The country has seen a concerning rise in accidents in recent years, prompting authorities to review old regulations and bring in a more modern, tech-driven approach to road safety.
In the future, officials are expected to introduce more automated systems, GPS-based tracking for traffic violations, and potentially even restrictions on the number of cars per household—especially for expatriates, as part of long-term environmental and congestion management plans.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s decision to impose a KD 75 fine for applying makeup while driving sends a clear message: distracted driving of any kind is unacceptable and dangerous. With the help of AI surveillance and heightened public awareness, the country is taking firm steps to create safer roads for all.
By tightening traffic laws and encouraging a culture of attentiveness behind the wheel, Kuwait aims to drastically reduce preventable accidents and save lives in the process.
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