
Kuwait has issued Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025, introducing amendments to various provisions of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976 related to traffic regulations. The updated provisions will take effect three months after the law's publication in the Official Gazette.
Here are the summary of the major points in the new rules:
- Driving a vehicle that emits disruptive sounds, excessive smoke, or unpleasant odors, thereby posing a threat to other road users, is prohibited.
- Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident that causes damage to public property or harm to others is subject to legal consequences.
- Operating a motor vehicle without valid insurance, unless exempted under specific legal conditions, is a violation.
- Insurance companies are obligated to pay compensation for damages resulting from vehicle accidents upon settlement.
- Violating regulations regarding the color, transparency, or tinting of vehicle windows is prohibited, as outlined in the relevant guidelines.
- Abandoning a vehicle or its debris on the road or along its sides is considered an offense.
- Failure to report an accident that results in damage to public property or third-party property to the appropriate authorities is punishable by law.
- Every motor vehicle must display two number plates while operating, issued by the relevant Traffic Department authority.
- Individual is no allowed to learn to drive a motor vehicle or motorized bicycle without obtaining a permit.
- If a person commits two violations within the first year of getting license, their first-time driver's license will be revoked.
- Anyone caught driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license is subject to imprisonment for up to three months and a fine ranging from 150 to 300 dinars.
- Violating public morals in a vehicle or fleeing the scene of a traffic accident carries a penalty of three months imprisonment and a fine of no less than 150 dinars.
- Driving recklessly or negligently, putting the driver or others in danger, is punishable by imprisonment for over one year.
- Driving a vehicle without brakes is punishable by imprisonment for up to two months and a fine of up to 200 dinars.
- Driving or parking a vehicle on sidewalks or pedestrian paths faces imprisonment for up to one month and a fine not exceeding 100 dinars.
- Failure to turn on necessary lights while driving a motor vehicle can result in a fine between 45 and 75 dinars.
- Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 3,000 dinars.
- In the event of accidental killing or injury, the police or investigator who recorded the incident has the authority to seize the vehicle’s license or operating permit and refer it to the relevant authority within 24 hours.
- The Minister of Interior is authorized to regulate the number of motor vehicles licensed by the General Traffic Department, except private cars for Kuwaiti citizens. Once the specified number of vehicles has been licensed, no additional licenses will be issued.
- The Minister also has the authority to set tariffs for taxis and transport vehicles.
- Intentionally submitting false information on official forms or applications to obtain licenses, permits, or replacements is considered a violation.
- Failing to give way to government vehicles, such as police, ambulances, fire trucks, civil defense vehicles, and official convoys using sirens, or following them to overtake other vehicles, is forbidden.
- Driving on the emergency lanes is prohibited and considered a violation.
- Drivers of transport, industrial, construction, tractors, trailers, and semi-trailers must adhere to drive on the right side of the road and avoid overtaking unnecessarily.
- Using mobile phones or other handheld devices while driving or being distracted by anything other than the road is not allowed.
- Driving vehicles that emit loud noises, thick smoke, foul odors, or scatter hazardous, flammable, or harmful materials is banned. Similarly, loads that fall or affect the vehicle’s stability or safety, including unfit tires, are considered violations.
- Moving a vehicle at high speeds that cause the tires to produce disturbing sounds is explicitly prohibited.
- Jumping a red traffic signal is strictly prohibited.
- Driving recklessly or negligently in a manner that endangers the lives or property of the driver or others is a punishable offense.
- Exceeding the maximum speed limit is a violation subject to penalty.
- Driving buggies or bicycles outside designated areas is not allowed.
- Driving against the direction of traffic on expressways or ring roads is a serious offense.
- Using a motor vehicle to transport passengers for a fee without the required permit is illegal.
- Parking in areas designated for disabled persons is prohibited without proper authorization.
- Allowing a child under the age of 10 to sit in the front seat, failing to secure a child in the back seat while driving, or leaving a child unattended in a vehicle without an adult companion is an offence.
- Adding writings, stickers, or pictures to a vehicle, or making any other modifications, without approval from the General Traffic Department is not allowed.
- Driving with damaged, unclear, or illegible license plates, with only one plate, or altering the location, color, or shape of plates issued by the General Traffic Department is an offense.
- Using unauthorized lights, loudspeakers, machines, or other devices, will be confiscated.
- Operating trucks during restricted hours specified by the General Traffic Department is an offense.
- Parking transport vehicles, trucks, industrial, construction, or agricultural vehicles, as well as mobile food trucks or other commercial vehicles, near residential areas, public or vital facilities, or oil facilities without appropriate permits. Parking any vehicle in designated places or areas owned by others without authorization is not allowed.