UAE Legal NewsKuwait is rolling out a major shake-up to its traffic laws, introducing community service as an alternative to fines and jail time for certain violations. The new Traffic Law No. 5/2025 gives judges the power to replace traditional penalties with unpaid labor—tailored to the offender’s skills and background—for up to a year, at eight hours per day.
If the violation results in damage to public property, offenders could also be required to repair the damage at their own expense. In some cases, multiple service penalties could be combined, taking effect immediately upon sentencing.
Cars on Lockdown: High-Tech Impoundment
Vehicle impoundment remains in force for 27 offenses, but Kuwait is adding a high-tech twist. Instead of towing cars away, authorities will introduce “physical impoundment,” requiring violators to install tracking devices on their vehicles. Fees will apply based on the violation, and tampering with the tracker could lead to additional fines. If the car moves outside an approved location, owners will face a 50-dinar penalty, with repeat offenders risking the traditional impound lot.
Curbing Car Ownership
In a bid to regulate road congestion, authorities will soon limit the number of vehicles a single citizen or resident can own. Officials insist the policy isn’t discriminatory but is a necessary step in managing Kuwait’s traffic situation, much like other sovereign regulations, including administrative deportation policies.
AI Cameras: 99% Accuracy, Human Oversight
AI-powered traffic cameras, boasting an accuracy rate of 99%, are now a key tool in catching rule-breakers. The smart system detects violations such as speeding, mobile phone use, and failure to wear seat belts. A human review ensures accuracy before offenders receive a notification, typically within 48 to 72 hours. Anyone disputing a fine can appeal through the Ministry of Interior’s “Sahl” app or visit the Violations Investigation Department. Ministry patrols are also equipped with cameras to verify claims of wrongful citations.
Fines and Repeat Offenders
Despite public concern over hefty fines, officials argue that Kuwait’s penalties remain moderate compared to neighboring GCC countries. The revised fine structure raises settlement orders from the previous 5 to 50 dinar range to 15 to 150 dinars. Habitual violators, especially those who commit severe offenses like running red lights, will face court proceedings without the option of settlement.
Who Pays? Vehicle Owners on the Hook
Under the new rules, car owners are responsible for all violations linked to their vehicles—even if someone else was driving at the time. Those wishing to contest a ticket must identify the actual driver. One extreme case involved a woman facing 30,000 dinars in fines after her son’s friends used her car without her knowledge.
Seat Belt Crackdown
Authorities are doubling down on seat belt enforcement, requiring both drivers and front-seat passengers to buckle up. The tougher penalties seem to be working—traffic patrols report a noticeable increase in compliance.
The Bigger Picture: Aiming for Safer Roads
Kuwait’s stricter traffic laws come in response to alarming road safety statistics. In 2024 alone, the country recorded 66,000 accidents—an average of 200 to 300 daily—leading to 28 to 30 injuries per day and 284 fatalities, including 11 children. Officials hope these new measures will reduce reckless driving and make the roads safer for everyone.
