A comprehensive, easy-to-navigate guide to the latest traffic laws, fines, and enforcement measures in Kuwait—for citizens, expatriates, and tourists alike.
Introduction
In 2024 and 2025, Kuwait overhauled its Traffic Law (Decree-Law No. 5/2025), enacting its most sweeping reforms in decades. Motivated by rising road fatalities and outdated penalties, the government has:
- Tripled or more the fines for everyday violations
- Introduced jail terms and community-service alternatives
- Imposed a one-car–limit on expatriates
- Modernized enforcement with AI-powered cameras and mobile units
All drivers in Kuwait—citizens, expats, and tourists—must now comply with these stricter rules.
Heavier Fines for Common Violations
Nearly all routine traffic fines have been sharply increased to deter dangerous behaviors. Key examples:
- Speeding penalties raised substantially, with the worst cases now arrestable
- Red-light running fines tripled
- Reckless driving/street racing fines increased fivefold
- Mobile-phone use and grooming while driving now carry heavy penalties
- Seatbelt, parking and noise/emissions violations all face much higher tickets
Fines at a Glance
| Violation | Old Fine (KD) | New Fine (KD) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding ≤ 30 km/h over limit | 20 | 70 |
| Speeding > 30 km/h over limit | 50 | 100 |
| Speeding > 50 km/h over limit (arrestable) | – | 150 + possible arrest |
| Running a red light | 50 | 150 |
| Reckless driving / street racing | 30 | 150 |
| Mobile-phone or other distraction | 5 | 75 |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 10 | 30 |
| Parking in a no-parking zone | 5 | 15 |
| Parking in a disabled-only spot | 10 | 150 |
| Excessive noise, emissions, or fluid leaks | 10 | 75 |
Severe Penalties for Dangerous Offenses
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): KD 1,000–3,000 + 1–2 years jail; up to KD 5,000 + 5 years if injury/death
- Habitual Offenders: No “pay-and-go” option; repeat violators go to court for license suspension, heavier fines, or jail
- Community Service Alternative: Up to 8 hours/day of unpaid work for up to 1 year instead of (or alongside) fines/jail; courts may order repair of public property
- Child Safety Violations: Leaving a child under 10 unattended: up to 6 months jail or KD 500 fine; mandatory rear-seat restraint for children under 10
New Rules Affecting Drivers (Licensing & Ownership)
- One-Car Limit for Expats: Non-Kuwaiti residents may register only one private vehicle. Exceptions require approval and extra fees.
- Driving-License Validity: Kuwaiti & GCC nationals: valid 15 years; expatriates: valid 5 years (tied to residency visa); automatically cancelled if profession or visa changes.
- Owner Liability: Vehicle owners are responsible for violations committed with their car—even if someone else was driving. To contest a ticket, owners must identify the actual driver.
Enhanced Enforcement Measures
- AI-Powered Cameras: Hundreds of units detect speeding, phone use, seatbelt infractions, red-light running, and illegal turns with ~99 % accuracy; e-tickets sent within 48–72 hrs via the Sahel app.
- Mobile “Rasid” Units: Battery-powered speed cameras that can be relocated anywhere on highways.
- On-the-Spot Arrest Powers: Immediate arrest for 12 serious offenses (e.g. DUI, extreme speeding, fleeing an accident, illegal racing).
- Electronic Tickets & Sahel App: All fines appear in the Sahel app for viewing, payment, or appeal—no paperwork needed.
Service Improvements & Initiatives
- Online Registration & Insurance Renewal: Complete via Sahel app—no traffic-office visits required.
- Targeted Safety Campaigns: GCC Traffic Week themes with public workshops, mall exhibits, and live demonstrations.
- Infrastructure & Congestion Management: Road expansions, fresh lane markings, removal of abandoned vehicles, and staggered public-sector work hours.
Why These Changes Matter
- Safer Roads: Early data shows a ~72 % drop in camera-caught violations in the first week of new fines.
- Child Protection: Stronger penalties and mandatory child-seat rules reduce injuries and fatalities.
- Digital Convenience: Online renewals and app-based tickets eliminate long queues.
- Greater Accountability: Owner liability and on-the-spot arrests ensure responsible driving.
FAQs
- What happens if I exceed the speed limit by 40 km/h?
- You’ll be fined KD 100 (up from KD 50). Exceeding by over 50 km/h incurs KD 150 + possible arrest.
- Can an expat own two cars?
- No—non-Kuwaiti residents are limited to one private vehicle. Exceptions require traffic-department approval and extra fees.
- How do I appeal a traffic fine?
- Use the Sahel app to upload evidence and file an appeal. The Traffic Department reviews and can cancel incorrect violations.
