Traffic violations plummet by a staggering 72% following the implementation of a new traffic law
Kuwait's latest traffic law, effective from April 22, 2025, has brought about a host of modifications to penalties and enforcement. Here's a lowdown on the changes.
The New Traffic Regulations
- Reckless driving: The penalty for reckless driving has increased significantly, with fines jumping from KD 30 to a hefty KD 150. Offenders could also face up to three years in jail[1][2][4].
- Red-light violators: Now, red-light violations will cost you KD 150 (previously KD 50) and could potentially lead to legal proceedings[2][5].
- Street racing: Street racing won't just land you a KD 150 fine, but it could also result in 1–3 years imprisonment or fines reaching KD 1,000[4][5].
- Parking in disabled spots: Fines for parking in disabled spots have escalated from KD 10 to a hefty KD 150[1][5].
Variations in Distracted Driving
- Mobile phone use: The fine for using your mobile phone while driving has increased 15-fold from KD 5 to KD 75[3][4][5]. This now covers activities like eating or applying makeup while driving.
- Emergency vehicle priority: Disregarding emergency vehicle priority will result in a KD 75 fine or up to three months’ jail[4].
On Road Safety Measures
- Seatbelt usage: Fines for non-use of seatbelts have tripled from KD 10 to KD 30[3][4][5].
- Speeding: Fines for speeding now range from KD 70 to KD 150 based on the severity of the violation[4].
Revised Drunk/Drug Driving Penalties
- First-tier offenses (driving under influence): Offenders will face fines between KD 1,000–2,000 and imprisonment for 1–2 years[2][5].
- Second tier (causing property damage): The fines for this tier have been set at KD 2,000–3,000, with 1–3 years imprisonment[2][4].
- Third tier (causing injury/death): The penalties for this tier are KD 2,000–5,000 in fines and 2–5 years imprisonment[2][4][5].
Enforcement and Impact
- Non-negotiable penalties: Three major offenses (DUI-related) now require mandatory court proceedings[2][4].
- Public awareness campaigns: Education campaigns have been launched to inform drivers about the revised regulations[5].
- While unconfirmed, reports suggest potential limits on vehicle ownership for expats, though the specifics remain unclear from available sources.
The primary objective of this law is to reduce accidents by imposing stricter penalties, particularly targeting high-risk behaviors like DUI and reckless driving[4][5].
- In Kuwait, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving has increased dramatically from KD 5 to KD 75, now encompassing activities like eating or applying makeup while driving.
- Seatbelt usage fines have tripled from KD 10 to KD 30, all in an effort to improve road safety measures.
- The penalty for reckless driving in Kuwait has significantly increased, with fines jumping from KD 30 to KD 150, and offenders potentially facing up to three years in jail.
- The costs of red-light violations in Kuwait have doubled, raising the fine from KD 50 to KD 150 and potentially leading to legal proceedings.
- Street racing in Kuwait won't just result in a KD 150 fine, but could also lead to imprisonment for 1–3 years or fines reaching KD 1,000.
- Notable changes in the traffic law of Kuwait include revised penalties for drunk or drug driving, with fines for first-tier offenses ranging between KD 1,000–2,000 and imprisonment for 1–2 years.
The goal of these new regulations is to reduce accidents by imposing stricter penalties, particularly focusing on high-risk behaviors such as DUI and reckless driving. In addition to these alterations, public awareness campaigns have been initiated to educate drivers about the revised regulations. While specifics remain unclear, there are unconfirmed reports suggesting potential limits on vehicle ownership for expats in Kuwait.
