Kuwait New Traffic Law Fines Red Lights KD 150. July 30: Brigadier Nasser Bousleib, Director of the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior, has announced significant changes to Kuwait traffic laws. These changes, aimed at curbing traffic violations and enhancing road safety, include substantial increases in fines for certain offenses.
Increased Penalties for Traffic Violations
One of the major changes in the new traffic law is the fine for crossing a red light, which has been raised from KD 50 to KD 150. Reckless driving, previously fined at KD 30, will now also incur a KD 150 penalty, and there is a possibility of vehicle impoundment for such violations.
During a recent interview on a news channel, Brigadier Bousleib detailed additional measures being introduced under the new law. He discussed plans for home-impoundment of vehicles, an initiative inspired by similar practices in other countries. This approach is currently under development, with a framework being established for its implementation.
Introduction of a Traffic Points System
Brigadier Bousleib also announced the introduction of a traffic points system. Under this scheme, repeated traffic violations will lead to the deduction of points from the driver’s record, potentially resulting in the revocation of their license. Offenders will then have to undergo a new procedure to obtain a license.
Efforts to Reduce Traffic Accidents
Highlighting the urgent need for these changes, Brigadier Bousleib revealed that traffic accidents claimed the lives of about 300 people last year, most of whom were young. “We are working to protect them by increasing the penalties in the new traffic law to be a deterrent to some serious violations. The current law is about 30 years old,” he said.
Enhanced Surveillance and Enforcement
To enforce these stricter laws, all cameras installed at intersections are now monitored by personnel who capture footage of violations, particularly reckless driving. Tickets are issued directly based on this footage. Additionally, traffic detectives track groups known for organizing reckless driving stunts, monitor their planned activities, and take necessary actions including vehicle impoundment.
Parental Responsibility and Community Efforts
Brigadier Bousleib emphasized the role of parents in preventing reckless behavior among youth, urging them to monitor their children’s activities, especially late at night. He noted that security campaigns have been effective in reducing the number of locations where reckless driving occurs.
Residency Law Compliance Efforts
In a related update, Brigadier Bousleib addressed the Ministry’s efforts to enforce residency laws. Violators were granted a three-month period to regularize their status, extended by two weeks to accommodate Eid al-Adha. Over 70,000 expatriates took advantage of this opportunity. The Ministry, with the support of various security sectors, continues to conduct random campaigns in densely populated expatriate areas to ensure compliance with residency regulations.
Conclusion
Kuwait new traffic law represents a significant step towards improving road safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities. By increasing penalties and introducing innovative enforcement measures, the Ministry of Interior aims to create a safer environment for all road users.
