Kuwait Enforces Stricter Traffic Laws to Combat Reckless Driving
In a decisive move to enhance road safety, Kuwait has enacted stringent traffic laws imposing severe penalties on reckless drivers. The new regulations, effective from April 22, 2025, aim to curb the rising number of traffic violations and accidents in the country.
Escalating Traffic Violations and Accidents
Recent statistics from Kuwait’s Traffic Department reveal a concerning increase in traffic violations and accidents. In 2024, authorities issued approximately 1.9 million speeding tickets, highlighting the prevalence of dangerous driving behaviors. The same year witnessed 65,991 traffic accidents, resulting in 284 fatalities. Alarmingly, 90% of these accidents were attributed to driver distractions, such as mobile phone use while driving.
Key Provisions of the New Traffic Law
The updated traffic legislation introduces substantial increases in fines and stricter penalties for various violations:
- Reckless Driving and Running Red Lights: Fines have been elevated from KD 30 to KD 150, reflecting a fivefold increase.
- Driving Under the Influence: Offenders face fines ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 3,000 and imprisonment between one and two years. If driving under the influence results in property damage, fines escalate to KD 2,000–3,000, with imprisonment extending up to three years. In cases causing death or serious injury, fines can reach KD 5,000, accompanied by imprisonment of two to five years.
- Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Violations: Fines for not wearing seatbelts have increased from KD 10 to KD 30, while using a mobile phone while driving now incurs a fine of KD 75, up from the previous KD 5.
- Child Safety: Allowing children under 10 years to sit in the front seat or failing to secure them properly in the back seat now results in a KD 50 fine, a significant rise from the former KD 5 penalty.
Implementation Timeline
The new traffic law was published in the official gazette, Kuwait Al-Youm, on January 22, 2025, and will be enforced after a 90-day period, commencing on April 22, 2025. During the interim, existing penalties remain in effect.
Government’s Stance and Future Measures
Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Subhan, Director of Coordination and Follow-up at the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Sector, emphasized the urgent need for stricter penalties to reduce violations and preserve lives. He highlighted the rising trend in traffic violations and accidents in recent years, fueled by increasing reckless behavior.
The government is also considering the introduction of a points system, where drivers accumulating a certain number of points from serious violations may face license suspension. Repeat offenders could be required to retake driving tests to regain their licenses.
Public Response and Awareness Campaigns
The implementation of stricter traffic laws has garnered mixed reactions from the public. While some drivers express concern over the increased fines, many citizens and residents support the measures, recognizing the necessity to enhance road safety.
In conjunction with the new laws, the Ministry of Interior has launched awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of safe driving and reduce the incidence of traffic violations and accidents.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s enforcement of stricter traffic laws signifies a robust commitment to improving road safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities. The substantial increase in fines and the imposition of harsher penalties for serious violations underscore the government’s resolve to deter reckless driving behaviors. As these measures take effect, it is anticipated that they will lead to safer roads and a decline in traffic accidents across the country.
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram.
for more information click here
