KUWAIT: A decree was issued on Sunday amending parts of the traffic law, outlining penalties for various violations, reaching up to KD 600 and imprisonment of up to three years for some infractions. While some praised the stricter penalties as a necessary step to curb accidents and reckless behavior on the roads, others expressed concerns about the severity and practicality of some regulations.

Laila Dawood criticized the KD 600 fine for speeding, saying it is excessive and equates speeding with reckless driving, which endangers lives. She hopes the concerned authority will re-evaluate speed limits instead. Meanwhile, Abu Mohammed commented: “The amended laws repeatedly mention imprisonment, but humans make mistakes. Destroying someone’s future over minor violations like not following road markings is unreasonable. I support strict penalties for violations that endanger lives, but the laws should be studied carefully.”

Others argued that certain penalties need to be harsher. Wael Hisham suggested that the penalty for reckless weaving between cars is insufficient, as it poses a danger to others. On the other hand, he highlighted the importance of improving road conditions. “The government shouldn’t enforce strict penalties where it’s not suitable. They should fix the problems first and provide better infrastructure, clear markings, countdown timers on traffic lights and fix potholes that force drivers onto road shoulders. Only then should stricter enforcement be applied.”

Regarding mobile phone use, Dalia Alkhuzam pointed out the necessity of occasionally using navigation apps like Google Maps. “How can we use them without holding the phone?” she asked. She also emphasized the need to focus on drivers using blinding beams, which are widespread and dangerous, and are sold by car accessory businesses.

Ghalia Bu Abbas criticized the lack of parking spaces in ministries, where spots are often reserved for managers and department heads. She noted that the random paving and poorly planned road markings by the ministry of public works make it difficult to follow the ground markings, which will make it hard to enforce such penalties. She deemed the penalties for decals on vehicles excessive. “The fines are unreasonable and beyond the financial capacity of many people, especially given the sudden and significant increase in penalties.”

The decree will take effect three months after the announcement. The penalty for driving inattentively, violating public decency in vehicles, driving on the shoulder of the road, using a phone while driving, or fleeing the scene of an accident is up to three months’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of KD 150.

Offenses punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of KD 600 include running red lights, reckless driving and street racing, exceeding the speed limit, driving against traffic or parking in spaces designated for people with disabilities.

Offenses punishable by up to two months’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of KD 100 include causing property damage in an accident, having a child under 10 years old in the front seat, failing to comply with road markings or signs, tinting vehicle windows above the legal limit or placing stickers on the vehicle. Offenses punishable by up to one month’s imprisonment and a minimum fine of KD 50 include parking or driving on sidewalks, using high lights that impair vision, driving below the minimum speed limit, failing to wear a seatbelt or driving recklessly between vehicles.