Kuwait is tightening the reins on its roads with a sweeping overhaul of traffic regulations, tripling fines for key violations and granting police expanded authority to arrest offenders. The newly enacted Decree-Law No. 5/2025, set to take effect on April 22, marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to road safety.
Under the updated law, officers can now detain drivers for serious infractions, including running a red light, excessive speeding, and reckless driving. The Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Security Relations and Media outlined the key violations that could land motorists in custody:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Causing an accident resulting in injury or death.
- Participating in illegal street races.
- Fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury.
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h.
- Operating an all-terrain vehicle in unauthorized areas.
- Using a vehicle for unauthorized commercial purposes.
- Driving without a valid license or with mismatched vehicle classification.
- Operating a vehicle without legally issued plates.
The financial penalties for these violations have also skyrocketed. The fine for running a red light has surged from KD 50 (USD 163) to KD 150 (USD 490), while reckless driving now carries the same increased penalty. Parking in spaces designated for individuals with special needs will now cost violators KD 150 (USD 490), a dramatic jump from the previous KD 10 (USD 33).
Even seemingly minor offenses will come with steeper consequences. Using a mobile phone while driving now results in a KD 75 (USD 245) fine—up from just KD 5 (USD 16). Failing to wear a seatbelt will set drivers back KD 30 (USD 98), triple its previous penalty.
Authorities emphasize that these tougher measures aim to curb dangerous driving habits, protect both motorists and pedestrians, and reinforce road safety across the nation.
