Kuwait’s Tough New Traffic Law From April 22 – Here’s the Complete List

Kuwait is enhancing its policies for traffic violation enforcement with stricter rules in the interest of road safety. The Ministry of Interior has issued Decree Law 5 of 2025 and amendment of the current Decree Law 67 of 1976. This legislation takes effect from April 22nd 2025 and allows any police officer to arrest those involved in certain traffic offenses. This will help reduce hazardous driving, accidents and improve road discipline. Below is a full list of 12 traffic offenses that will now result in immediate arrests.

Key Amendments to the Traffic Law that will take effect starting April 22, 2025 pic.twitter.com/swVywacBiz

— وزارة الداخلية (@Moi_kuw) April 3, 2025

1. Driving Under the Influence:

Those apprehended driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or psychoactive drug substances will be arrested without hesitation. The aim of this response is to mitigate impaired driving which is a significant threat to all road users.

2. Causing an Accident Resulting in Injury or Death:

If a driver is at fault for an accident that causes injury or death, there will be legal action taken against that driver without delay. This rule stresses liability for untoward conduct while driving.

3. Illegal Street Racing:

Participating in a public road motorcar race without a permit has now become a criminal offence. Racing unsuitable for public roads exposes the participants to serious risk that extends to pedestrians and other road users. 

4. ‘Hit and Run’ and Fleeing from Police:

Unlike before, drivers that try to flee after causing an accident (or in the event, drivers that do not comply with a police order to stop at the scene) may be arrested at the scene of the accident right away. This is to remove ‘hit and run’ drivers quickly from the road and ensure the law is being obeyed.

5. Speeding Beyond 50 km/h Over the Limit:

Excessive speeding is a contributing factor in accidents and furthermore, drivers that exceed the maximum posted speed by 50 km/h or more can now be arrested right away. There is a direct link between excessive speeding and the number of traffic accidents that occur on our roadways.

6. Driving in Unauthorized Areas:

Operating buggies or other vehicles in unauthorized areas is now a punishable offense. This rule is designed to protect restricted zones and ensure safety in designated areas.

7. Running a Red Light:

Running a red light is a serious traffic offense that endangers lives. With the newly enacted law, those who get caught will be arrested instead of simply receiving a ticket or a suspension.

8. Misuse of Vehicles:

Using a vehicle other than how it was designed to be used is now an arrestable offense. This includes modifications and use that alters the intended use of a vehicle.

9. Transporting Passengers Without a Permit:

Drivers providing service to a passenger and getting paid without a permit will also now be arrested. This aim is to combat illegal taxi or ride hailing services.

10. Reckless or Negligent Driving:

By the driver’s reckless or negligent conduct, if any other driver, passengers, other road users or any property get damaged or endangered their lives are subjected to the immediate arrest of the person who caused it. Any dangerous act like aggressive driving and swerving will also be considered.

11. Driving Without a Valid License:

It is now a crime to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license or with a suspended, revoked or unauthorized license. This includes someone who is driving a type of vehicle that they are not licensed to drive and someone without the required permits.

12. Driving Without Official License Plates:

For a motor vehicle to be on the road, it must display license plates issued by the General Traffic Department. Now, if someone drives a vehicle without license plates, the person will be arrested and face serious charges.

The new traffic regulations in Kuwait mark a tough approach to road safety. By introducing immediate arrest for 12 common traffic offenses, the government hopes to lower the number of accidents, prevent unsafe driving and improve safety for everyone using roads. Drivers must be more vigilant and abide by the rules to avoid facing the consequences as the tougher regulations will increase the safety of Kuwait’s roads for all users.