KUWAIT CITY, Sept 4: The decision of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to add Article 212 bis to the executive regulations of the Traffic Law (Ministerial Resolution No. 8/1976) is a long-awaited step on the congested roads in the country. It appears that restorative justice has found its way into the daily lives of citizens and expatriates. The decision, which was published in the official gazette, ‘Kuwait Al-Youm, last Sunday, goes beyond traditional penalties, as it opens the door to humane alternatives that allow violators to reform through community service like cleaning mosques and parks and participating in traffic awareness campaigns. A new form of punishment will see courts replace prison sentences with activities aimed at improving behavior and instilling discipline, such as scheduling appointments at the Ministry of Health, arranging Holy Qurans in mosques, contributing to the distribution of social assistance, planting trees, working at gas stations and painting sidewalks. If the violator refuses or does not comply, the actual penalty will be imposed, that is, imprisonment. At this point, the State’s seriousness in ensuring deterrence while giving violators a second chance is evident.

Retired Major General Nasser Al- Enezi believes that the decision is “a corrective and appropriate step aimed at correcting the behavior of violators and enhancing discipline on the roads.” He pointed out that alternative penalties, such as awareness programs or community service in ministries, contribute to improving traffic safety and reducing violations resulting from lack of awareness or negligence. He told the newspaper that “intensifying awareness campaigns targeting expatriates is a necessity, as they commit a large percentage of daily violations.” Attorney Abdul Mohsen Al-Qattan stated that “alternative penalties achieve two main goals -- relieving pressure on prisons and allowing violators to reform by contributing to community service.” He indicated that “involving violators in traffic awareness campaigns enhances legal culture and reduces accidents.” Attorney Ali Matar Al-Wawan thinks the success of the experiment depends on “strict implementation and oversight mechanisms to ensure violators complete the tasks assigned to them.”

He added that “the integration of roles between the ministries of Interior, Health, Education, Municipality, and Awqaf is a basic condition to ascertain the effectiveness of the measure.” In a related development, citizens expressed their satisfaction, stressing that the decision is a long-awaited reform in line with international experience and achieves greater deterrence than traditional imprisonment. They asserted that community service allows violators to regain their sense of responsibility and instills a culture of discipline. Some went further, believing that forcing reckless drivers to perform tasks such as cleaning streets or painting sidewalks will leave a societal impact, which neither a fine nor imprisonment can achieve, as people will see the violator compensate society for what it lost through his recklessness. Others emphasized that this experiment will reinforce the concept of restorative justice and open the door to raise traffic awareness for future generations, calling on all drivers to abide by the law, as the rules are not just texts, but a guarantee of a safe life on the roads. Moreover, statistics issued by the ministries of Justice and Interior reveal an accurate picture of the volume of traffic cases in the first half of 2025. It showed that more than 11,000 cases were referred to the courts within this period, along with the fines, rulings, and penalties. This is an affirmation of the seriousness of the situation and the importance of new decisions targeting road discipline, redressing the damage, and implementing mechanisms. The fifth paragraph of the new decision stipulates clear mechanisms for redressing damage, either by restoring the original condition or compensating for the damage by repairing it. The executive paragraphs oblige the Judgment Enforcement and Traffic departments to monitor violators’ compliance and return the case to the court in the event of non-implementation of the penalty.

The serious violations, which may lead to imprisonment of one to three years or a fine of KD600 to KD1,000 (or one of these penalties), include running a red light, reckless driving, organizing races on public roads, parking in spaces for people with disabilities, driving vehicles in places other than those designated for them, using private vehicle to transport passengers, and driving beyond the speed limit. In the event of a settlement, a fixed fine of KD150 is imposed. Since the implementation of the stricter amendments in April, the situation on the roads has changed, especially those known for scenes of recklessness and foolhardiness. Subiya and Kabad roads and Wafra farms, which reckless drivers used to turn into night racing arenas, now appear quiet and empty except for normal traffic.

The severe penalties and intensive security campaigns have not only deterred violators but also created a new reality that made these sites, once symbols of chaos, empty. A security source confirmed to the newspaper that the General Traffic Department is continuing its intensive campaigns in all governorates around the clock. He said these campaigns aim not only to uncover violations, but also to establish a new traffic culture based on discipline and adherence to the law.

The source revealed that the presence of traffic patrols has been intensified since the new amendments took effect, leading to a decline in cases of recklessness on highways and open areas. He stressed that the campaigns will continue as part of a comprehensive plan targeting all groups in order to control violators and protect lives and properties.

The message that the Ministry of Interior wants to convey is clear: “Discipline instead of chaos, and reform instead of prison cells.” Alternative penalties do not mean leniency as much as they reflect a new awareness that links the law and society, transforming violations from a burden on prisons into an opportunity to correct behavior and serve the people. While traffic and security campaigns continue, the biggest challenge remains in terms of the awareness of drivers themselves, as the law, no matter how strict, is only effective if everyone abides by it.

The following is a summary of the latest traffic statistics: