KUWAIT CITY, Aug 25: Using a mobile phone while driving can result in a KD 75 settlement fine, while the penalty could rise to up to KD 300 or imprisonment if the violation is referred to court, a Ministry of Interior official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Shaheen Al-Gharib, Head of the Television Section at the Ministry of Interior's Security Media Department, said the new traffic law introduces a comprehensive system aimed at improving compliance, enhancing road safety and protecting lives.

Speaking on the Second Radio Program, Al-Gharib stressed that the objective of enforcing the new traffic law is not to collect fines, but to reduce dangerous and improper driving behaviors that contribute to accidents, injuries and deaths on Kuwait's roads.

He explained that most traffic violations can be settled immediately through a settlement order in accordance with approved procedures. However, serious violations are treated differently because of their severity and their direct impact on the safety of motorists and other road users.

Such serious violations are referred to the Traffic Court, where a settlement order is not permitted.

Mobile phone violation
Al-Gharib explained that using a mobile phone while driving carries:

KD 75 — settlement fine.
Up to KD 150 — possible fine if the case is referred to court.
Up to KD 300 — maximum court-imposed fine.
Up to 3 months' imprisonment — possible court penalty.
He clarified that referral to court does not mean the penalty will necessarily remain at the value of the settlement fine, as the court may impose a higher fine or imprisonment within the limits prescribed by law.

The Ministry of Interior has emphasized that the tougher traffic measures are intended to deter dangerous driving practices and encourage motorists to comply with traffic regulations, particularly violations that can directly endanger lives.

Authorities have urged motorists to follow the new traffic rules and avoid behaviors such as mobile phone use while driving, which can distract drivers and increase the risk of serious road accidents.