New Penalties and Rules

Officials from the Ministry of Interior claim that this new draft law essentially overhauls traffic control strategies. Major General Yusuf Al Khadda, Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operation Affairs, clarified that the amendments are a part of a larger strategy to address road safety and said that the draft law was recently presented to the Kuwaiti cabinet for approval and will be forwarded to Amir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah upon acceptance.

Kuwait's present traffic rules, which date back 1979, are viewed as out-of-date, with fines as low as KD15 ($49) for minor violations including unlawful parking. According to Al Khadda, around 90% of Kuwait's 300 daily traffic accidents are caused by careless driving and distractions including cell phone use. The new traffic rule increases fines for these often occurring infractions. For instance, failure to use a seatbelt will result in a KD30 ($98) punishment, up from KD10 ($33), while the penalty for phone use while driving will climb from KD5 ($16) to KD75 ($245). By sharply raising the cost of offenses, these revised punishments seek to discourage regular offenders.

While racing on public roadways would incur a punishment of KD150 ($490), up from the previous KD50 ($163), reckless driving will see fines jump from KD30 ($98) to KD150 ($490). The fee would rise from KD10 ($33) to KD75 ($245) for too noisy vehicles or those in poor condition. Unauthorized parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities will entail a KD150 ($490) charge, up from KD10 ($33), in a move to safeguard vulnerable populations. Depending on the degree of the infringement, speeding fines will also climb significantly; the range from KD20-KD50 ($65-$ 163) to KD70-KD150 ($228-$490).

Drug-related Violations

Targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the new rules categorize major violations into three categories:

Category One: Drivers under the influence risk fines ranging from KD1,000 ($3,263) to KD3,000 ($9,791) and possible one to two year prison terms.

Category Two: Drivers under influence who damage property could be fined KD2,000 ($6,527) or KD3,000 ($16,318) in addition to possible two to five year jail terms.

Category Three: Offers fines between KD2,000 ($6,527) and KD5,000 ($16,318), with possible jail terms ranging from two years to more than five years, for incidents whereby driving under the influence causes harm or death.

These fines highlight how committed the law is to address the most dangerous driving habits on Kuwaiti roadways. For these serious infractions, the court also has the authority to seize automobiles.

Extended Violation Range and Vehicle Impoundment

The updated law contains several violations deserving of car impoundment, including:

Not running red lights
Dangerous driving
Rapidity
running on public roadways
Driving unapproved cars in forbidden regions
Driving against the direction of traffic
Driving while using a portable device
Running unregistered vehicles or those with defective plates
Passenger transportation using private vehicles without a permission

The rule lets judges substitute community service for up to eight hours a day, as well as rehabilitation programs or traffic awareness classes, therefore adding flexibility to punishment. Prison is allowed. Courts may also mandate that offenders pay damages stemming from their crimes.

The new traffic law's limits on expatriate vehicle ownership is one of its most noteworthy features; residents are now limited to owning one vehicle apiece. The Interior Ministry will specify particular rules regarding this clause.

Transmission and Implementation Period

The revised traffic rules will be published in the official gazette upon ratification; the Interior Ministry will start a three-month period for systems to be upgraded and public education programs will be started. Kuwait wants to create a safer and more disciplined driving environment by means of these strict policies, therefore lowering the incidence of traffic accidents and promoting road safety all throughout the country.

List of Major Changes in Kuwait New Traffic Law

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