Kuwait’s New Law Bans Makeup While Driving: What to Know

In a move that's sparked nationwide discussion, Kuwait has amended its traffic regulations to address a surprising yet increasingly common road behavior—applying makeup while driving. While it may sound harmless, the Kuwaiti government now officially categorizes it under distracted driving, similar to texting or eating behind the wheel. This regulation aims to strengthen road safety, reduce traffic mishaps, and emphasize attentive driving behavior. 

How Much Is the Fine for Applying Makeup While Driving in Kuwait? 

Under Kuwait's revised traffic regulations, drivers—specifically women—caught applying makeup while driving will face a fine of KD75. This translates to approximately $250 USD. The penalty places makeup application in the same category as using a mobile phone or eating while driving, both of which are classified as distracted driving offenses. 

This significant fine underscores the government's firm stance on reducing distractions behind the wheel. The aim is to improve driver focus, reduce accidents, and ensure safer roads for all. 

Why Is Makeup Application Considered Distracted Driving? 

Applying makeup while driving isn’t just a harmless habit—it involves using mirrors, making multiple hand movements, and diverting visual attention, all of which pull focus away from the road. According to Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to serious accidents, especially in the country’s fast-paced urban traffic. Below are the key reasons why this act is now considered a serious traffic violation: 

• Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes: 
• Taking your eyes off the road 
• Removing hands from the steering wheel 
• Diverting mental focus from traffic and surroundings 

Distracted Driving in Numbers 

Here’s a look at how distracted driving behaviors like makeup application compare with other risky behaviors. These statistics help clarify why governments like Kuwait are clamping down on non-driving activities.   

• Texting while driving: 23x more likely to cause a crash 
• Eating while driving: 3x the distraction duration than usual 
• Makeup application: Visual, manual, and cognitive distraction 

Public Response – Mixed Views, Shared Goal of Safer Roads 

Reactions to the new regulation have been varied, reflecting a range of perspectives. Many drivers welcome the move as a positive step toward improving road safety and promoting more focused driving habits. 

Others have raised questions about how the rule will be implemented and whether it will be uniformly enforced. Regardless of viewpoint, the new law has sparked valuable conversations around safe driving practices and the importance of minimizing distractions behind the wheel. 

The Bigger Picture: A Culture Shift on the Roads 

Kuwait’s decision signals a broader commitment to changing driving culture—encouraging drivers to treat driving as a full-time task, not a multi-tasking opportunity. Alongside stricter laws, education campaigns are expected to reinforce the message that even brief distractions can be dangerous. Whether you're reaching for a sandwich or touching up your lipstick, every second of inattention counts.