Traffic law reform marks turning point in Kuwait’s road safety vision

Central message of the new law: ‘the need to restore safety and accountability to Kuwait’s roads, a broader societal commitment to reducing traffic chaos, preventing accidents, and ensuring that reckless behavior is no longer tolerated.

Brigadier General Abdul Fattah Al-Subhan said that the newly issued traffic law — soon to be implemented — was crafted with one clear purpose: to deter reckless drivers, protect the public, and restore order to Kuwait’s roads in response to the sharp rise in traffic violations in recent years.

Brigadier Al-Subhan emphasized that the tougher fines and penalties included in the new law are not arbitrary but were specifically designed to instill greater discipline among drivers and subject dangerous behavior to heightened scrutiny.

He told Al-Rai that “The law is not punitive for the sake of punishment—it is preventive and corrective,” he stated, highlighting the pressing need to address the alarming trend of traffic misconduct.

One of the notable features of the new law is the expanded authority granted to security officers, who will now be allowed to act as judicial police officers—even when off duty or in civilian clothing.

These officers will have the right to issue citations for serious traffic offenses outlined in Article 44 of the law. However, in situations requiring vehicle impoundment or arrest, they must coordinate with official police patrols or traffic investigations units.

To avoid potential abuse of power, Al-Subhan noted that any officer exercising these new powers must present their security ID as proof of authority. In the event that a civilian accuses the officer of misconduct or extortion, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. Should the competent authorities find the allegations valid, disciplinary measures will be taken against the officer in accordance with existing laws.

Addressing a related concern, Brigadier Al-Subhan confirmed that a ministerial decision will soon be issued to regulate the number of vehicles that expatriates may own, with a proposed limit of one vehicle per resident.

However, he clarified that the decision will not be applied retroactively. “Those who already own more than one vehicle prior to the decision will not have their ownership revoked,” he said, reassuring residents that the regulation is intended for future compliance only.

Brigadier Al-Subhan reiterated on the central message of the new law: ‘the need to restore safety and accountability to Kuwait’s roads and he asserted, this reflects a broader societal commitment to reducing traffic chaos, preventing accidents, and ensuring that reckless behavior is no longer tolerated.