Kuwait: New Traffic Law, Community Service and Stricter Penalties

Arab Times, 12 March 2025: Kuwait’s recently enacted Kuwait Decree-Law No. 5/2025 introduces significant amendments, including alternative penalties that can replace traditional sanctions at the discretion of the judiciary.

This new approach allows judges to convert penalties into community service, which is tailored to the violator’s profession and qualifications.

Such service can last up to a year, requiring eight hours of work per day without pay.

In cases where a serious violation results in damage to public property, the violator may be required to repair the damage at their own expense.

Judges also have the authority to impose multiple service penalties, which take effect immediately upon the issuance of the ruling.

The law maintains vehicle impoundment in 27 cases, but introduces “physical impoundment,” where a tracking device is installed in the vehicle, and fees are imposed based on the violation.

If the conditions of spatial impoundment are violated, a fine of 50 dinars is imposed, and the vehicle is moved to a traffic impoundment garage.

Additional fines apply if the tracking device is damaged or lost. Violating physical impoundment is considered a serious offence, requiring the violator to designate a fixed location for the vehicle.

A regulatory decision will soon limit the number of vehicles citizens and residents can own before the new traffic law takes effect on 22 April 2025.

Concerns about potential discrimination have been addressed, clarifying that these measures are within the state’s sovereign authority to regulate in the public interest.

The accuracy of AI cameras in detecting violations is reported to be 99%, with human oversight ensuring precision.

Violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, exceeding speed limits, or placing children in the front seat are documented by AI and reviewed by humans.

Notifications are sent to violators within 48 to 72 hours.

Citizens and residents can file complaints about violations through the Ministry of Interior’s “Sahl” application or by visiting the Violations Investigation Department.

Complaints are thoroughly reviewed, and violations may be canceled if the claimant’s rights are proven.

Ministry patrols are equipped with cameras to verify claims of wrongful violations, ensuring the rights of both security personnel and violators are protected.

Addressing concerns about the severity of fines under the new law, it has been clarified that Kuwait’s fines are not the highest among neighbouring countries, with some GCC countries imposing stricter penalties.

The General Traffic Department conducted extensive studies and public opinion polls before finalising the law, which was reviewed by the judiciary, the Fatwa and Legislation Authority, and the Public Prosecution.

The resulting fines aim to deter reckless driving and serious violations, such as running red lights, which endanger lives.

The 2025 Unified Traffic Week for GCC countries will carry the slogan “Driving without Accidents,” continuing the theme from 2024.

It has been highlighted that most accidents result from driver inattention, often due to mobile phone use.

Under the new law, settlement orders for violations now range from 15 to 150 dinars, up from the previous range of 5 to 50 dinars.

Habitual violators, especially those committing serious offences, will be referred to court without the option of settlement.

Vehicle owners are held responsible for violations, even if someone else was driving at the time.

If a vehicle owner disputes a fine, they must identify the driver during the violation.

An example was shared of a woman fined 30,000 dinars for violations committed by her son’s friends, who were driving her vehicle without her knowledge.

Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts, with vehicle owners held accountable for compliance.

With the new law’s implementation, patrols and control rooms have observed increased adherence to seat belt regulations.

It is now rare to see drivers or passengers without seat belts.

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