Traffic department clarifies Sahel Vehicle Authorization and parking rules
- Parking is permitted only alongside sidewalks marked in black and white, parking next to grey or unpainted sidewalks is prohibited
- Internal Roads Subject to Traffic Law, Illegal Parking Punishable
The General Traffic Department has reiterated that if a vehicle owner allows another person to drive their car through the government’s Sahel application (using the Sahel government app to officially give another person permission to drive your vehicle), any traffic violations committed by that driver during the authorized period will be registered against the person who was given permission to drive, rather than the vehicle owner. The authorized driver will be responsible for the violation and any resulting legal consequences.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan, Assistant Director of the Traffic Awareness Department at the General Traffic Department, said vehicle owners can use the Sahl application to authorize another person to drive their vehicles and specify the duration of the authorization. Any traffic violations committed during the authorized period will be registered against the person driving under that authorization.
Speaking on Kuwait Radio’s general program, Bu Hassan also stressed that internal roads are considered public roads and are subject to the provisions of Kuwait’s Traffic Law. Parking in prohibited areas, whether on internal roads or elsewhere, constitutes a traffic violation and may result in legal action.
He explained that authorities may immobilize vehicles parked in ways that obstruct traffic or occupy part of the roadway, emphasizing that such measures are intended to maintain traffic flow and protect road users. Public roads, he noted, must remain accessible to everyone and should not be used in ways that inconvenience or endanger others.
Bu Hassan referred to Article 1 of the Traffic Law, which establishes the application of the law, its regulations and implementing decisions to vehicles, pedestrians and animals using public roads.
Parking on Grey and Unpainted Sidewalks Prohibited
The Traffic Awareness Department has stepped up monitoring of illegal parking, vehicles mounting sidewalks and violations at intersections. Bu Hassan clarified that parking is permitted only alongside sidewalks marked in black and white, while parking next to grey or unpainted sidewalks is prohibited.
He added that driving or mounting vehicles onto sidewalks constitutes a traffic violation and can lead to legal action. Motorists were urged to observe designated parking rules and avoid obstructing pedestrian movement or the flow of traffic.
The department responds around the clock to reports and complaints received through the Ministry of Interior’s operations centre, as well as reports submitted through the General Traffic Department’s WhatsApp service. These channels enable authorities to address violations and take action against vehicles that obstruct roads or breach traffic regulations.
Roadworks and Driver Behaviour Contribute to Congestion
Addressing traffic congestion on some roads, Bu Hassan attributed the problem partly to ongoing maintenance work and partly to unsafe driving practices, including overtaking at intersections. He said traffic campaigns and the issuance of violations are intended not merely to collect fines but also to improve driving behaviour, discourage repeat offences and encourage motorists to comply with the law.
The Traffic Department continues to emphasize that responsible driving, lawful parking and respect for other road users are essential to improving road safety and maintaining smoother traffic movement across Kuwait.
