Over 100,000 serious traffic violations recorded as Kuwait launches major drive to promote road safety
- ‘Be Aware’ exhibition offers motorists chance to clear violations, retrieve impounded vehicles; smart impound system to debut in September
Kuwait’s General Traffic Department has revealed that more than 100,000 serious traffic violations have been recorded, as authorities intensify efforts to improve road safety and encourage motorists to comply with the country’s stricter traffic regulations.
The announcement came during the opening of the three-day “Be Aware” exhibition at The Avenues Mall, where large numbers of citizens and residents turned up on the first day to settle traffic fines and retrieve impounded vehicles under a special initiative introduced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef.
The exhibition, inaugurated under the patronage of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wuhaib, brings together several departments of the Ministry to provide public services, answer legal queries and promote awareness of newly enacted laws.
Opportunity to Correct Violations
Acting Director General of the General Traffic Department Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Nimran described the initiative as an important opportunity for motorists to regularise their legal status.
“This is a commendable initiative by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, giving violators the opportunity to correct their situations and encouraging them not to repeat serious offences in the future,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Al-Nimran explained that motorists can pay outstanding fines and complete the procedures to retrieve their vehicles directly at the exhibition.
However, he clarified that the initiative does not apply to the most serious offences, including speeding above 180 km/h and violations involving GT and Z category vehicles, which remain subject to existing legal measures.
He urged motorists to take advantage of the services offered during the exhibition, stressing that road safety depends on public cooperation as much as enforcement.
New Traffic Law Delivers Results
Assistant Director General for Licensing and Violations Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Subhan said the implementation of Kuwait’s new Traffic Law has already produced significant results.
According to official figures, traffic violations have fallen by 50 to 60 percent since the law came into force approximately 16 months ago, particularly offences involving excessive speeding.
He noted that courts have issued prison sentences, vehicle confiscation orders and alternative penalties against offenders convicted of dangerous violations such as reckless driving, excessive speeding and running red lights.
Brig. Gen. Al-Subhan also confirmed that some expatriates found guilty of serious traffic offences have been deported under applicable regulations.
Smart Vehicle Impoundment Coming in September
In a major step toward digitalising traffic services, Brig. Gen. Al-Subhan announced that the General Traffic Department plans to introduce a smart vehicle impoundment system in September.
The new system will operate alongside the existing traditional impoundment mechanism as part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to modernise traffic management and improve compliance with road safety regulations.
Bringing Ministry Services Closer to the Public
Colonel Faisal Al-Daihani, Director of the Ministry of Interior’s Public Relations Department, said the exhibition is designed to familiarise the public with several recently enacted laws and the services provided by different security sectors.
Visitors can obtain information on regulations administered by the General Traffic Department, General Directorate of Drug Control, General Directorate of Coast Guard, and the General Directorate of Security Systems, including newly introduced requirements concerning surveillance camera installations.
Interactive digital displays and ministry specialists are available throughout the exhibition to answer questions and explain the latest legal amendments, particularly to younger visitors.
Road Safety a Shared Responsibility
Officials said the exhibition reflects the Ministry of Interior’s continued commitment to strengthening traffic discipline through a combination of public awareness, digital services and firm enforcement.
By giving motorists a chance to settle violations while simultaneously educating the public on the consequences of dangerous driving, authorities hope to further reduce accidents and reinforce the message that road safety is a shared responsibility for everyone using Kuwait’s roads.
