KUWAIT: All traffic violations committed before the new traffic law goes into effect on April 22 will be subject to the current fines and will not be retroactively penalized under the upcoming regulations, Colonel Jarrah Al-Haifi clarified during the conclusion of the 38th Unified GCC Traffic Week and its accompanying exhibition on Thursday.

Kuwait’s new traffic law, replacing the 48-year-old version, will take effect on April 22, 2025. The law introduces significantly higher fines, especially for serious offenses. For example, fines for using a mobile while driving will increase from KD 5 to KD 75, and the fine for not wearing a seatbelt will rise from KD 10 to KD 30. Reckless driving and running red lights will incur KD 150 fines, while causing injury or death under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in fines up to KD 5,000 and jail time.

Brigadier Mohammed Al-Sabhan

Colonel Jarrah Al-Haifi

Visitors explore the exhibition held on the sidelines of 38th Unified GCC Traffic Week, which included demonstrations of speed enforcement cameras, the central control room, and a driving simulation.

Other key changes include raising fines for parking in prohibited areas to KD 15, speeding fines to KD 70-150, and stricter penalties for harmful vehicle emissions. Expatriates will be allowed to own only one vehicle, and fines for driving without a license or improper child seating will be set at KD 50 and KD 75, respectively.

Colonel Al-Haifi urged the public to comply with traffic laws to help ensure road safety for all users, especially as stricter enforcement measures are set to begin with the new legislation.

The awareness campaign, which launched last Sunday under the slogan “Drive Without Your Phone,” aimed to promote a culture of safe driving throughout the GCC. Brigadier Mohammed Al-Sabhan, head of the Unified GCC Traffic Week Committee, told KUNA that this year’s campaign successfully achieved its main objective of highlighting the dangers of distracted driving, particularly mobile phone use behind the wheel.

Al-Sabhan praised the visible commitment of both citizens and residents to road safety, including increased seat belt use and reduced dangerous behavior on the roads. He also commended the role of participating organizations in ensuring the campaign’s success. Organized by the General Directorate of Traffic, the campaign featured educational lectures, school and university outreach, awareness booths, and the distribution of informational brochures targeting all age groups.

The accompanying exhibition, supervised by Colonel Al-Haifi, provided direct services to the public such as lifting blocked violations, releasing impounded vehicles, and showcasing the tools and systems used by the traffic department.

More than 15,000 violations were processed — excluding those related to unauthorized use of disabled parking spaces — and over 600 vehicles were released during the exhibition. Interactive displays included demonstrations of speed enforcement cameras, the central control room, and a driving simulation experience that gave visitors a hands-on feel of road safety practices. Educational quizzes further raised public awareness about the new traffic law and its impact. — KUNA