Kuwait Proposes Stringent Traffic Law to Combat Reckless Driving and Reduce Fatalities

Kuwait city: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has introduced a comprehensive draft traffic law aimed at curbing reckless driving and reducing the number of fatal accidents in the country. According to Kuwait News Agency, Major General Yusuf Al-Khadda, Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operation Affairs, disclosed that the new legislation, reviewed by judicial bodies, was submitted by First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah to the cabinet for approval. The current traffic law, enacted in 1979, has been deemed insufficient in deterring violations, prompting this overhaul. The revised law significantly increases fines for various traffic violations. The penalty for using a cellphone while driving will rise from KD 5 (USD 16.3) to KD 75 (USD 244.7), while not wearing a seatbelt will incur a fine of KD 30 (USD 97.9), up from KD 10 (USD 32.6). The fine for reckless driving will be elevated from KD 30 (USD 97.9) to KD 150 (USD 489.5), and racing on public roads will attract the same incre ased penalty. The new regulations also address driving under the influence, with fines and potential prison sentences categorized based on the severity of the offense. Violators may face fines up to KD 3,000 (USD 9,791) and imprisonment for up to two years, with harsher penalties for causing property damage or bodily harm. Additionally, the draft law introduces Articles 33 bis and 39 bis, empowering courts to impound vehicles involved in severe infractions and offer alternative punishments such as community service. The law also aims to facilitate legal and security authorities in enforcing house impounding for violating vehicles. When enacted, the law will be published in the official gazette, Kuwait Al-Kuwait Al-Yawm, with a three-month window for program adjustments and media campaigns before full implementation. The new law also restricts residents to owning a single vehicle, with guidelines to be set by the Interior Minister.