Kuwait traffic fines set to skyrocket

KD 75 fine for phone use while driving
KD 30 fine for seatbelt violation
KD 150 fine for parking in disabled spots
Up to KD 5,000 for DUI-related injuries, deaths
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 24: The revised traffic regulations in Kuwait's new draft law aim to prevent reckless driving and reduce the number of fatal accidents, stated an official from the Ministry of Interior on Thursday. In an interview with KUNA, Major General Yusuf Al-Khadda, Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operation Affairs, said the new law had been reviewed by Kuwait's judicial bodies and submitted by First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to the cabinet last week for approval. It will then be referred to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval.

Al-Khadda revealed that the current law, in effect since 1979, does not serve as a sufficient deterrent for violators, noting that the lowest fine, such as for illegal parking, is set at KD 15 (about USD 48.9). He pointed out that Kuwait witnesses an average of 300 accidents daily, with about 90 percent attributed to reckless driving and cellphone use while driving.

The fine for using a cell phone while driving will increase from KD 5 (USD 16.3) to KD 75 (USD 244.7) under the new law. Additionally, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt will rise from KD 10 (USD 32.6) to KD 30 (USD 97.9). The fine for reckless driving will be increased from KD 30 (USD 97.9) to KD 150 (USD 489.5).

The new law will also raise the fine for racing on public roads from KD 50 (USD 163.1) to KD 150 (USD 489.5), Al-Khadda added. He further noted that the fine for operating vehicles that are run-down or cause excessive noise will increase from KD 10 (USD 32.6) to KD 75 (USD 244.7). Parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities will carry a fine of KD 150 (USD 489.5), up from KD 10 (USD 32.6). Speeding fines will also be raised from the current range of KD 20 to KD 50 (USD 65.2 to USD 163.1) to a range of KD 70 to KD 150 (USD 228.4 to USD 489.5).

Regarding suspicious driving behaviors, Al-Khadda explained that the new law addresses violations in three categories. The first category covers those who attempt to drive or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The fine for such offenses will increase from KD 1,000 (USD 3,263) to a maximum of KD 3,000 (USD 9,791), with possible imprisonment ranging from one to two years.

The second category deals with those who cause damage to public or private property while driving under the influence, facing fines between KD 2,000 (USD 6,527) and KD 3,000 (USD 9,791), along with possible imprisonment of two to five years.

The third category involves causing injuries or deaths while driving under the influence. Offenders in this category will face fines between KD 2,000 (USD 6,527) and KD 5,000 (USD 16,318), with prison sentences ranging from two to five years.

Al-Khadda also highlighted that Article 33 bis of the new law allows courts to impound vehicles involved in offenses such as reckless driving, speeding, racing, driving against traffic flow, and using unlicensed vehicles. Vehicles can be impounded without affecting the provisions of the Penal Code, either through a court ruling or upon request by the Ministry of Interior.

Additionally, Article 39 bis of the new law introduces alternative penalties such as community service of no more than eight hours per day for up to one year, and mandatory participation in rehabilitation and awareness programs. Offenders may also be required to pay for damages caused by their violations.

Al-Khadda mentioned that the new law allows for house impounding of vehicles until sentences are served. Once ratified, the law will be published in the official gazette, Kuwait Al-Yawm (Kuwait Today), with a three-month period allotted for the Ministry of Interior to update its programs and carry out media campaigns before the regulations take effect.

Regarding driving licenses in Kuwait, Al-Khadda revealed there are approximately 1.9 million licenses and 2.5 million vehicles in the country. He noted that, under the new law, residents will be limited to owning only one vehicle, with guidelines to be set by the Minister of Interior.