Kuwait’s new traffic laws enforce hefty fines, jail time for reckless drivers

• All motorized vehicles must display two license plates, and first-time drivers face license revocation, fines ranging from 150 to 300 dinars, and up to three months in prison for driving without a valid license or committing two violations within the first year.

• Operating a vehicle without functional brakes is punishable by up to two months in prison and a fine not exceeding 200 dinars and parking or driving on sidewalks or pedestrian pathways can result in a month’s imprisonment and fines up to 100 dinars.

The government issued Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025, amending various provisions of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976 regarding traffic regulations. Under the new decree, valid civil liability insurance covering the license duration is required for licensing or renewing any motorized vehicle, with insurance companies obligated to compensate for vehicle accidents upon settlement, as reported by Al Anba newspaper.

All motorized vehicles must display two license plates, provided by the specialized traffic management department and individuals must obtain a permit before learning to drive motorized vehicles

Licenses issued for the first time will be revoked if the owner commits two violations within the first year and offenders face up to three months in prison and fines ranging from 150 to 300 dinars for driving without a valid license.

Three-month jail for fleeing after a traffic accident

Violating public morals in a vehicle or fleeing after a traffic accident carries penalties of three months’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of 150 dinars and driving recklessly or negligently, endangering lives or property could result in more than a year in prison.

Parking or driving on sidewalks now punishable by up to one month in jail and fines of 100 dinars

Operating a vehicle without functional brakes is punishable by up to two months in prison and a fine not exceeding 200 dinars and parking or driving on sidewalks or pedestrian pathways can result in a month’s imprisonment and fines up to 100 dinars.

Failing to use necessary lights while driving an automated vehicle can lead to fines between 45 and 75 dinars and those caught driving under the influence of intoxicant face up to two years in prison and fines of up to 3,000 dinars.

Driver’s license or vehicle seized in manslaughter or injury cases

In cases of manslaughter or injury, authorities can detain the driver’s license or impound the vehicle, forwarding the case to the appropriate authority within 24 hours.

The Minister of the Interior will set regulations regarding vehicle impoundment, storage expenses, and conditions for the sale of unclaimed vehicles.

Twelve cases in which police may arrest a driver

Police officers are authorized to arrest vehicle drivers in twelve specific cases, as outlined by the updated traffic regulations.

• License issuance and renewal conditions: Licenses cannot be issued or renewed unless all due fees, violations, and fines have been fully paid.
• Parking violation enforcement: The issuance of fines for parking violations in restricted areas or during unauthorized periods is permitted, provided a specific tariff is applied.
• Traffic hindrance restrictions: Drivers, animal handlers, and pedestrians are prohibited from obstructing traffic on the road without prior authorization.

New Decree-Law issued

Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025 was issued on Sunday, amending several provisions of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976 regarding traffic regulations. The new decree will take effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Details of the Decree: The decree specifies changes to Articles 6, 8, 14, 22, 24, 33, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 46 of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976.

Article 6: The authorization or renewal of any motor vehicle license requires valid civil liability insurance covering the duration of the license. The Minister of Interior shall establish rules, conditions, and tariffs for this insurance, as well as the circumstances in which insurance companies must compensate for vehicle accidents upon settlement.

Article 8: Each motorized vehicle must display two license plates issued by the competent department of the General Directorate of Traffic upon completion of licensing procedures. One plate must be placed at the front of the vehicle, and the other at the rear. For trailers and semi-trailers, only one plate is required, which must be affixed to the rear.

Prohibited to alter the location of the plates

The plates must always remain visible, and their information must be clearly legible from an appropriate distance. It is prohibited to alter the location of the plates, use them on a different vehicle, or replace or modify their information or design.

The Minister of Interior shall issue a decision specifying the types and specifications of license plates, the conditions for selling the right to use specific types, and the applicable fees.

Article 14: The Minister of Interior may, by decree, limit the number of motor vehicles authorized by the General Directorate of Traffic, except for private vehicles belonging to citizens under Type 1, Paragraph 1 of Article 3.

Licenses for vehicles exceeding this limit cannot be issued. This article also establishes tariffs for taxi and transportation services of all types.

Article 22: No person is permitted to learn to drive motorized vehicles without first obtaining a learning permit from the General Directorate of Traffic.

The Executive Regulation shall define the system for issuing learning permits, including conditions, duration, fees, and designated learning locations.

Article 24: A driving license granted for the first time may be withdrawn if the holder commits two violations specified under Articles 33 (or 38 during the first year.

Awareness course for obtaining a new license

A new license will not be issued until at least four months after the withdrawal date. To regain a driving license, violators may be required to complete an awareness course as outlined in the executive regulations and ministerial decisions or undergo re-testing if deemed necessary by the General Directorate of Traffic.

Article 33: Without prejudice to the measures outlined in this law or any harsher penalties prescribed by other laws, any individual who commits one of the following offenses shall face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine between 150 and 300 dinars, or both penalties:

Violations and penalties

1. Driving an automated vehicle without a driving license, with a license that does not authorize operation of that vehicle, or while the license is suspended or withdrawn.
2. Driving an automated vehicle without proper attention, thereby endangering the lives or property of the driver, passengers, or third parties.
3. Performing repairs on a vehicle damaged in an accident without written authorization from the competent authority of the Ministry of Interior.
4. Engaging in behavior that violates public morals while inside a vehicle.
5. Providing false information or documentation with the intent to obtain a vehicle operating license, driving license, or any other permit required by this law or its executive regulations, or to issue a copy or replacement for any of them.
6. Failing to yield to government vehicles such as police, ambulances, firefighting units, civil defense vehicles, official processions, and their affiliated vehicles when their sirens are active, or following them for the purpose of bypassing other vehicles on the road.
7. Driving on the shoulder of the road.
8. Failing to comply with road rules, including transport vehicles of all kinds, industrial and construction vehicles, tractors, trailers, and semi-trailers failing to stay on the right side of the road or overtaking unnecessarily.
9. Using mobile communication devices or any other handheld devices, or being otherwise distracted while driving.
10. Driving a vehicle that emits loud or unpleasant noises, thick smoke, or offensive odors; carries volatile, flammable, or harmful materials; or has unbalanced or defective components such as tires, posing a danger to road users.
11. Fleeing or attempting to escape after causing a traffic accident that damages public or private property.
12. Accelerating the vehicle excessively, causing the tires to produce disturbing noises.

Article 33: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed by this law or any harsher penalties under other laws, any person committing the following acts shall be subject to imprisonment for a period of more than one year but not exceeding three years, a fine ranging from 600 to 1,000 dinars, or both:

1. Running a red traffic light.
2. Driving a vehicle recklessly or negligently, endangering lives or property.
3. Organizing or participating in unauthorized motor vehicle races, violating the conditions of a permit for a race, or gathering vehicles for reckless or negligent use that endangers lives or property.
4. Exceeding the speed limit.
5. Driving vehicles or motorbikes outside their designated areas.
6. Driving in the opposite direction of traffic on highways or circular roads.
7. Operating an automated vehicle that is unauthorized, without license plates, with altered plates, or with plates not issued by the General Directorate of Traffic.
8. Using motorized vehicles for passenger transport with a fare without proper authorization.
9. Parking in spaces designated for disabled persons.
10. Performing excavations, road work, modifications, or placing objects that obstruct traffic without a permit from the General Directorate of Traffic.

Confiscation clause: The court, on its initiative or at the request of the Ministry of Interior, may order the confiscation of a motor vehicle for the benefit of the Ministry if the vehicle was used in any of the violations listed in this article.

The Ministry of Interior will assume authority over the confiscated vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code and applicable regulations, provided good faith is maintained.

Article 34: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed in this law or any harsher penalty under other laws, the following violations shall be punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding two months, a fine ranging between 100 and 200 dinars, or both:

1. Causing an accident that damages public or third-party property as a result of violating the provisions of this law or its executive regulations.
2. Allowing a child under the age of ten to sit in the front seat or failing to secure them in the rear seats while driving a motorized vehicle, or leaving them unattended in the vehicle without an adult.
3. Driving a motor vehicle without functioning brakes or with defective or unusable brakes.
4. Allowing an unlicensed individual or someone without a valid permit to operate a motorized or licensed vehicle.
5. Violating the conditions regarding the load, height, width, length, or weight of transport vehicles.
6. Damaging or altering traffic signs, traffic lights, or traffic control and monitoring devices, including changing their features, locations, or directions, or labeling them in ways that impair their effectiveness.
7. Failing to adhere to lane markings or traffic signs.
8. Driving an automated vehicle without valid insurance, except in cases exempted by law.
9. Violating regulations concerning the color or transparency of vehicle glass, or shading it contrary to issued regulations.
10. Affixing writings, posters, photos, or other additions to the vehicle without a permit from the General Directorate of Traffic.
11. Using a motor vehicle for purposes other than those indicated in its operational permit.
12. Offices, institutions, and companies violating the conditions and controls set forth in the executive regulations regarding commercial activities related to the General Directorate of Traffic.
13. Violating the conditions for home vehicle storage.

Article 35: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed in this law or any harsher penalty under other laws, the following violations shall be punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month, a fine ranging between 50 and 100 dinars, or both:

1. Driving a motor vehicle without the knowledge or consent of its owner, authorized operator, or holder.
2. Operating a vehicle with damaged, unclear, or illegible license plates, a missing plate, or altered plate location, color, or shape.
3. Driving a motor vehicle without a valid permit, with an expired permit, or in violation of the conditions outlined in the permit.
4. Refusing to present a valid driving license, vehicle operating permit, or other required documentation to police officers upon request.
5. Using unauthorized lamps, speakers, machines, or other devices, which will be confiscated by law.
6. Driving or parking a vehicle on sidewalks or pedestrian pathways.
7. Parking a vehicle at night on highways or unlit roads without using small lights or reflective lighting.
8. Improper use of high-beam lights or flashlights, contrary to issued regulations.
9. Turning, reversing, or entering in the opposite direction of traffic flow.
10. Modifying the purpose for which the vehicle is used, changing its color, or replacing any material part that alters its registration details without prior written approval from the General Directorate of Traffic.
11. Driving at a speed below the minimum limit on highways or circular roads.
12. Failing to comply with the instructions, orders, or signals of traffic officers.
13. Operating trucks during prohibited times as determined by the General Directorate of Traffic.
14. Failing to give traffic priority as required by the executive regulations.
15. Not wearing a seatbelt while driving.
16. Evading or ignoring a stop order issued by a traffic officer.
17. Driving recklessly by weaving or dodging between vehicles on the road.

Article 36: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed in this law or any harsher penalty under other laws, the following violations shall be punishable by a fine ranging between 45 and 75 dinars, or one of these two penalties:

1. Violating passenger limit: Violating the maximum passenger limit for taxis or public passenger transport vehicles (buses), unjustifiably refusing to transport passengers, or charging fares higher than those prescribed.
2. Animals on public roads: Allowing animals on public roads without proper supervision, failing to observe traffic rules for their handling, or neglecting to control or drive them responsibly.
3. Pedestrians and regular cyclists (electric or non-electric) violating traffic rules.
4. Driving a motorized vehicle: Driving a motorized vehicle without carrying the vehicle license, drivinglicense, or any other required permit as stipulated by this law, its executive regulations, or implementing decisions.
5. Operating a motorized vehicle without activating the necessary lights.
6. Abandoning a vehicle or its remains on roads or their sides.
7. Allowing passengers, objects, or animals to occupy any external part of a motorized vehicle not intended for such purposes.
8. Driving a motorized vehicle that fails to meet security and durability conditions as indicated in the executive regulations of the traffic law or its implementing decisions.
9. Intentionally disrupting or obstructing traffic on public roads.
10. Hindering traffic: Hindering traffic on public roads without a permit from the General Directorate of Traffic or violating the conditions of an issued permit.
11. Parking issues: Parking transport vehicles, trucks, industrial, construction, or agricultural vehicles, as well as mobile food or goods-selling vehicles, near residential areas, public, vital, or oil facilities without a permit from the competent authorities. This also includes parking in spaces owned or designated for third parties without authorization.
12. Towing: Violating towing conditions as stipulated in the executive regulations and ministerial decisions.
13. Failing to inform competent authorities of accidents resulting in damage to public or third-party property.

Article 37: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed in this law or any harsher penalty under other laws, anyone who violates any other provision of this law, its executive regulations, or implementing decisions shall be punished with a fine ranging between 30 and 50 dinars.

Article 38: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed in this law or any harsher penalty under other laws:

1. Anyone who drives or attempts to drive a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating beverages, drugs, psychotropic substances, or medications that explicitly warn against driving, or any other substance impairing natural faculties, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period ranging between one and two years, a fine ranging between 1000 and 3000 dinars, or both.
2. If the offense results in an accident causing damage to public or third-party property, the penalty shall be imprisonment for a period ranging between one and three years, a fine ranging between 2000 and 3000 dinars, or both.
3. If the offense results in an accident causing injury or death, the penalty shall be imprisonment for a period ranging between two and five years, a fine ranging between 2000 and 5000 dinars, or both.
4. The court shall order the withdrawal of the driving license for a period ranging between one and three years. In the case of repeat offenses, the court may extend the withdrawal period to between three and five years.

Article 39: If a court convicts an individual of a crime related to driving a motorized vehicle, it may order the withdrawal of the driving license, vehicle operating license, plates, or any other required permit as stipulated by this law or its executive regulations. The withdrawal period shall not exceed one year, starting from the day following the execution of the sentence or completion of coercive measures, or from the date of judgment if the sentence execution is suspended.

Reports issued by police officers or recorded through traffic control and monitoring devices shall be considered valid evidence of the stated facts unless proven otherwise.

Article 41: An accused individual who commits any of the acts outlined in Articles (33, 33 bis, 34, 35, 36, 37) of this law, its executive regulations, or implementing decisions may resolve the matter as follows:

1. Pay an amount of seventy-five dinars for a violation of the provisions of Article (33).
2. Pay an amount of one hundred and fifty dinars for a violation of the provisions of Article (33 bis).
3. Pay an amount of fifty dinars for a violation of the provisions of Article (34).
4. Pay an amount of thirty dinars for a violation of the provisions of Article (35).
5. Pay an amount of twenty dinars for a violation of the provisions of Article (36).
6. Pay an amount of fifteen dinars for a violation of the provisions of Article (37).
7. Pay an amount between seventy and one hundred and fifty dinars for exceeding the maximum speed limit, with the exact amount determined by the executive regulations based on the degree of excess.

Payment must be made at a location designated by the General Directorate of Traffic within two months from the date of the violation or the accused’s notification if the report was issued in their absence.

Termination of the criminal case

Reconciliation will result in the termination of the criminal case and all its consequences, as evidenced by a certificate issued by the competent authority. This does not affect the provisions of Articles (24, 42, 42 bis, 43) of the Traffic Law, and the violation will be recorded in the Traffic Violations Points System.

Reconciliation may be rejected if the violator has committed multiple serious offenses outlined in Articles (33, except for Clause 33 bis), (34), or has repeated violations.

Article 42: The Director General of the General Directorate of Traffic or their delegate may administratively withdraw a market license, any required permit, or a vehicle’s operation license and plates for a maximum of 120 days in the following cases:

1. Committing an act outlined in Articles (33), except Clause (3), (33 bis), except Clause (10), (34), or (38) of this law.
2. Operating a vehicle on the road after its driving license or plates have been withdrawn.
3. Trucks operating during prohibited times or carrying excessive loads.
4. In cases of fatality or accidents caused by motorized vehicles, the police officer handling the incident or the investigator may withhold the market license or vehicle license and refer it to the competent authority within 24 hours, pending further action after hearing the statements of the involved parties.

In all cases, the administrative withdrawal ends upon the issuance of a judgment in the criminal case. If the judgment includes a withdrawal order, the duration of administrative withdrawal will not be counted as part of the court-ordered withdrawal period.

Article 43: The Minister of Interior shall determine, via decision, the conditions and rules for vehicle impoundment, storage, associated expenses, and procedures for their sale if the owner fails to retrieve the vehicle or pay the applicable expenses.

The minister may assign the tasks of removing, transporting, and storing impounded vehicles to entities outside the ministry. Agreements with these entities may also designate specific locations for vehicle storage, with all associated costs borne by the vehicle owner.

The executive regulations will outline the method and conditions of assigning these responsibilities, the procedures for violations, the costs involved, and the rules for their collection and payment.

The minister may also establish rules for home impoundment of vehicles using modern technological means, allowing the vehicle to remain in the owner’s custody under specified conditions.

Article 44: Members of the police force may arrest anyone committing the following acts:

1. Driving a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or psychotropic substances.
2. Causing a traffic accident that results in injury or death.
3. Participating in an unauthorized motor vehicle race on public roads or violating the conditions of a permit.
4. Attempting to flee after an accident that endangers an individual’s safety or failing to comply with a police order to stop.
5. Driving recklessly, negligently, or in a manner that endangers the lives or property of the driver or others.
6. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h.
7. Operating vehicles in areas not designated for them.
8. Driving a motorized vehicle without a driving license, with a withdrawn or suspended license, or without a permit as required by this law or its executive regulations.
9. Operating a vehicle without plates issued by the General Directorate of Traffic.
10. Running a red light.
11. Using a vehicle for purposes other than those for which it is authorized.
12. Using a vehicle to transport passengers for a fare without proper authorization.

Article 46: The reports prepared by members of the police force, or those recorded using traffic control devices or other monitoring systems, for offenses that violate the provisions of this law, its regulations, or implementing decisions, shall be deemed authentic regarding the facts they contain until proven otherwise.

Second Section: The following amendments are made to Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976:

1. The phrase “driving motor vehicles” in Article 20 is replaced with “driving motorized vehicles and bicycles” wherever it appears.
2. The phrase “driver of the motor vehicle” in Article 21 is replaced with “driver of the motorized vehicle.”

Third Section: Two new items, numbered 28 and 29, are added to Article 2 of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976, as follows:

28: Traffic control and monitoring devices refer to modern technological tools, such as those used for photography, recording, and broadcasting, which operate automatically or manually to monitor traffic violations and roads.

29: Alternative penalties refer to penalties provided under this law, which the judge may apply or order in place of the original penalty in specific cases as outlined in this law and its executive regulations.

Fourth Section: The following final paragraphs are added to Articles 5, 27, 32, and 45 of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976:

• Article 5: Licenses shall only be issued or renewed after the payment of all vehicle-related fees, as well as any outstanding violations and fines.
• Article 27: The Minister of Interior may, by decision, delegate the authority to issue citations for parking violations in areas where standing or waiting is restricted to specified periods and subject to a tariff, to entities outside the ministry. The executive regulations shall outline the method and conditions for delegating these responsibilities, the procedures for handling violations, and the associated costs to be borne by those entities.
• Article 32: The use of roads by vehicle drivers, animal handlers, and pedestrians to obstruct traffic is prohibited unless a permit has been obtained from the General Directorate of Traffic.

Fifth Section: The following new articles are added to Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976, with the respective texts as follows:

• Article 36 bis: Without prejudice to the measures prescribed in this law or any more severe penalty under any other law, anyone who, through the use of a device, means of communication, or any other method, captures one or more visual or audible clips or publishes any of them while committing any of the crimes provided for in this law, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed.
• Article 37 bis: A legal person, excluding ministries, government agencies, public bodies, and institutions, shall be criminally liable if any of the crimes provided for in this law is committed in its name, for its benefit, or through it, or by one of its representatives, directors, agents, or employees. It shall also be punished if the act leads to the commission of a crime under this law as a result of the behavior, gross negligence, or concealment by one of its employees, or if the act was carried out without the consent of the legally competent authorities.

The legal person shall be fined not less than 1,000 dinars and not more than 10,000 dinars, and may not be sentenced to anything other than a fine, without prejudice to any legally prescribed subsidiary penalties.

This does not preclude the personal punishment of the individual perpetrator of the crime, in accordance with the law.

Article 39 bis: The court may replace the original punishment for the convicted person with one or more of the following alternative penalties: community service work, where the convicted person is assigned to work for one of the authorities without charge.

The work shall, if possible, be compatible with the convicted person’s profession, and may not exceed one year or eight hours per day. The authorities shall determine the types of work to be assigned and the necessary procedures for monitoring its implementation, as decided by the Minister of the Interior.

Attending awareness, rehabilitation, and training programs and lectures, and requiring the convicted person to undergo one or more rehabilitation and training programs and awareness lectures in the medical, psychological, social, educational, craft, industrial, or religious fields to assess their behavior.

A decision shall be issued by the Minister of the Interior to determine the rehabilitation programs, training, and awareness lectures, as well as the procedures for their implementation, in coordination with the ministers of the relevant authorities.

Repairing the damage caused by the crime and requiring the convicted person to return the item to its original state, repair it, or provide compensation.

Such penalties shall take effect immediately after their invocation.

Article 41 bis: All violation reports, documents, judicial decisions, and summonses issued by the investigator or the court, as well as the judicial rulings addressed to all individuals subject to the provisions of this law and its executive regulations, shall be announced and communicated through modern electronic means, such as government applications, SMS text messages, email, fax, or announcements through the Public Prosecution. The announcement is considered complete and legally effective from the date and time the announcement is made through any of these means, and the executive regulations shall specify how such announcements should be made.

If it is not possible to communicate by such means, the announcement may be made in accordance with the rules established in Chapter II of Part I of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Trials.

Sixth Article: The term “metal plate” shall be replaced by the word “plate,” and the phrase “metal plates” shall be replaced with the word “plates” wherever they appear in Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976 and its executive regulations.

Article Seven: The ministers, each within their respective jurisdiction, shall implement this decree-law, which shall come into force three months after its publication in the Official Gazette.