Kuwait cracks down on vehicle rental sector with new regulations
- New regulations introduced by the Ministry of Interior require bilingual rental contracts, stricter record-keeping, vehicle age limits and mandatory comprehensive insurance to enhance safety and oversight in the rental sector.
- Existing rental companies have been given a three-month grace period to comply with the new requirements. The regulations will come into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette.
The Ministry of Interior has introduced new regulations governing the rental of cars and motorcycles in Kuwait, to strengthen oversight, improve customer protection and enhance safety standards across the sector.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 894 of 2026, to amend provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 723 of 2020.
The updated rules require rental companies to sign contracts with customers in both Arabic and English, clearly outlining the rights and obligations of both parties. Paper or electronic copies of the agreement must be retained and made available upon request.
Under the new regulations, rental companies must also maintain detailed electronic or paper records, approved by the General Traffic Department, containing information on customers and authorized drivers, including their name, nationality, address, contact details, driving license information and rental period. Where the renter is a company, the details of its legal representative must also be recorded.
The decision further requires rental vehicles provided with drivers to be fitted with internal cameras in accordance with procedures set by the relevant authorities.
Companies must provide recorded data whenever requested by competent authorities.
The ministry has also introduced new limits on the age of vehicles used for rental operations. Motorcycles must be no more than three years old when licensed and may remain in service for a maximum of six years from the date of manufacture.
Private cars, light commercial vehicles and minibuses carrying up to 14 passengers must also be no more than three years old at the time of licensing and can operate for a maximum of eight years.
Medium trucks, heavy vehicles and buses with more than 15 seats may be up to five years old when licensed and can remain in operation for up to 15 years.
In addition, all rental vehicles must be covered by valid comprehensive insurance throughout their operating life, with policies renewed annually. Vehicle registration documents must also clearly indicate that the vehicle is licensed for rental use.
Existing rental companies have been given a three-month grace period to comply with the new requirements. The regulations will come into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette.
