Kuwait Rolls Out Stricter New Traffic Laws

Kuwait is rolling out a brand new traffic law starting Tuesday, and it’s a big one. Designed to curb the country’s high number of road accidents, the new law brings in stricter penalties, potential jail time, and even car ownership limits for expats.

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What’s Changing?

This new code replaces the old 1976 traffic law and gives traffic police more authority to act on serious violations. That includes the power to arrest drivers for offenses like:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Causing an accident that results in injury or death
• Participating in illegal street races
• Trying to escape the scene of an accident
• Ignoring police orders to stop

Hefty Fines and Jail Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the updated fines and penalties:

• Using a mobile while driving: KD75 fine (up from KD5), up to 3 months in jail, and additional fines up to KD300.
• Not wearing a seatbelt: KD30 fine (up from KD10).
• Parking in a space for people with disabilities: KD150 fine, and up to 3 years in jail.
• Driving with no license or a suspended one: KD75 fine, plus jail and further fines up to KD300.
• Reckless driving: KD150 fine (previously KD30).
• Running a red light: This now counts as a felony with up to 3 years in jail and fines of up to KD1,000.

Big Rule for Expats: Only One Car Allowed

Under the new law, expatriates are only allowed to own one car. Repeat serious traffic violations could even lead to deportation. Authorities have been clear, this law is about safety, and it will be strictly enforced.

Community Service Option

For some offenses, judges will have the option to assign community service instead of jail time. These tasks could include repairing public property damage and could last up to a year, 8 hours a day, unpaid.

Multilingual Awareness Campaign

With expats making up the majority of Kuwait’s 4.9 million population, the government has launched an awareness campaign in English, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and Filipino. The goal is to make sure everyone understands the new rules clearly.

Why the Crackdown?

Kuwait sees up to 300 traffic accidents every day. Officials say around 90% of these crashes are caused by drivers not paying attention. In 2024, 284 people lost their lives in traffic incidents, just slightly lower than the 296 fatalities in 2023.

The bottom line? If you drive in Kuwait, it’s time to take road safety seriously. These new laws aren’t just about punishment, they’re about protecting lives. So buckle up, stay off your phone, and follow the rules.