MOI explains penalties for phone use while driving under new traffic law
Mobile phone violation carries 75 dinars settlement fine can reach up to 300 dinars if the case goes to court
Using a mobile phone while driving carries a 75-dinar settlement fine under Kuwait’s new traffic law, while a case referred to the Traffic Court may result in a fine of up to 300 dinars, according to the Ministry of Interior.
The clarification was given by Lieutenant Colonel Shaheen Al-Gharib, head of the Television Section at the Ministry of Interior’s Security Media Department, during an interview on the Second Radio Program.
Al-Gharib said the new traffic law establishes a comprehensive system for handling traffic violations, with the aim of improving compliance, road safety and the protection of lives.
He stressed that the purpose of enforcing the law is not to collect fines, but to reduce dangerous driving practices that have contributed to accidents resulting in deaths and injuries.
Settlement and court procedures
Al-Gharib explained that most traffic violations can be settled through a settlement order, subject to the applicable procedures. However, violations classified as serious offenses are treated differently because of their severity and their direct impact on road users. Such cases are referred to the Traffic Court, where a settlement order is not permitted.
Regarding mobile phone use while driving, Al-Gharib said the violation carries a 75 dinars settlement fine. If the case is referred to court, the fine may rise to 150 dinars, but cannot exceed 300 dinars, or the offender may face imprisonment for up to three months, according to the Ministry of Interior official.
The clarification comes as authorities continue implementing the new traffic law and emphasizing compliance with road-safety rules.
