Traffic Law in Kuwait - Rules, Fines, and Regulations Explained
Traffic laws in Kuwait exist as strict measures for maintaining both road safety and operational traffic flow. The enforcement of these laws falls under the authority of the Ministry of Interior while the necessary amendments also come under their jurisdiction for approval. The Ministry ensures all laws receive proper implementation. Public safety regulations became stricter during recent years mainly because of changes in driving licenses requirements and traffic violation fines.
Driving License Regulations in Kuwait
Kuwaitensive driving license acquisition now demands potential drivers to fulfill precise standards for legal driving privileges.
Eligibility Criteria for Driving License
Kuwait requires license applicants to fulfill these requirements for driving license issuance.
- The driving license eligibility requires candidates to earn a minimum monthly income of 600 Kuwaiti Dinars (KD).
- Be a university graduate
- The person must live in Kuwait for a minimum period of two years.
Exemptions from the Eligibility Criteria
Some professionals do not need to satisfy either salary or residency conditions when applying for their driving license including:
- Judges, Prosecutors, Advisers, and Experts
- Faculty members of universities and applied institutes
- Journalists and media professionals
- Doctors, Pharmacists, and Engineers
- Teachers and Social Workers
- Researchers, translators, librarians, and imams in government institutions
- Sports trainers in government institutions
The major traffic offenses in Kuwait consist of:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Illegal parking
The penalties for minor offenses consist of fines which escalate according to violation seriousness and multiple offenses can result in both driver license revocation and vehicle seizure.
- Drinking and driving are prohibited by DUI Laws throughout Kuwait.
- The law strictly prohibits driving when someone operates a vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs which results in these consequences:
- Heavy fines
- License revocation
- Possible imprisonment
Speed Limits and Traffic Signals
The speed limits in Kuwait are established through clear regulations.
- 60-80 km/h in urban areas
- 100-120 km/h on highways
- Holding a driving license or vehicle operator's license can be revoked because breaking speed regulations leads to fines and black points and driving bans.
Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Regulations
Every person inside a vehicle must wear their seatbelt regardless of their position.
The use of mobile devices for driving in Kuwait has specific limitations which allow hands-free communication only.
Vehicle Registration and Renewal
To obtain registration of a vehicle residents must visit the Traffic Department while annual renewals need vehicle inspection and insurance verification along with payment of renewal fees.
- Vehicle inspection
- Insurance validation
- Payment of renewal fees
The government of Kuwait conducts awareness campaigns to spread knowledge about traffic rules as well as safety-in-motion driving principles to its public.
Pedestrian Rights and Responsibilities
A person who chooses to walk instead of driving needs to stand only at proper traffic crossing points because jumping between crossings faces ticket penalties. Everyone operating a vehicle must let walkers go first when they are at crosswalks.
Parking Rules and Restrictions
Cars parked illegally in handicapped zones and when vehicles double park will receive fines and may be subject to vehicle removal.
Toll Roads and Traffic Cameras
Automated traffic cameras in Kuwait function to identify violations throughout the country.
Highways operating toll systems will probably become a standard practice during the upcoming future.
Public transportation professionals who drive buses and taxis need to adhere to safety protocols which assign motorized vehicle lanes and rules for protecting passengers.
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