08/10/2025
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08/10/2025
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In an exclusive interview with the daily, Brig. Gen. Al-Qattouan revealed that 15 individuals were deported following the implementation of the new traffic law during May, June, and July. He clarified that the deportation of an expatriate for committing a serious traffic violation is carried out after an investigation and review of their driving record, and is not dependent on whether the offense is repeated. Brig. Gen. Al-Qattouan emphasized that parents bear major responsibility in supervising their underage children and must not allow them to drive vehicles, as this exposes them to legal accountability. He explained that the department carries out continuous campaigns to apprehend minors found driving and refers them to the Public Prosecution for legal action. During the month of August alone, 232 minors were caught driving.
They were referred to the Juvenile Prosecution, traffic citations were registered against them, and the vehicles were impounded in accordance with Article 207. Brig. Gen. Al-Qattouan went on to explain that expatriates’ driving licenses are revoked if they no longer meet the requirements stipulated in Ministerial Decision No. 270/2020, which governs the issuance of private driving licenses to non-Kuwaitis. These requirements include holding legal residency in Kuwait for at least two years, earning a minimum monthly salary of KD 600, and possessing a university degree.
However, there are 12 exempt categories that are not subject to the residency, salary, or degree conditions. He added that expatriates are issued driving licenses valid for five years for vehicles and motorcycles, in accordance with Article 85. Brig. Gen. Al-Qattouan explained that the General Traffic Department has achieved several milestones, including the implementation of the amended traffic law, the transition to digital services, and the improvement of the driving test process through upgraded testing fields and specially equipped vehicles with cameras. The department has also strengthened its security and monitoring systems. Below is the full interview with Brigadier General Saad Al-Qattouan:
Question: What are the main achievements of the General Traffic Department in the recent period?
Answer: There are many, such as the issuance of the amended traffic law and the digital transformation of various services such as license issuance, vehicle registration renewal, and appointment booking for driving tests. The department also upgraded driving test fields, introduced dedicated test vehicles, and enhanced its security and monitoring systems through improved surveillance and traffic enforcement cameras. Also, periodic vehicle inspections have been modernized using an integrated system with electronic testing devices.
A: There has been a noticeable increase in public awareness, a better road safety culture, and greater compliance with traffic laws among drivers.
Q: Have the amendments helped reduce traffic accident rates? And how compliant are drivers?
A: Yes, traffic violations dropped by 53 percent, traffic accidents decreased by 54 percent, and the fatality rate declined by 75 percent, according to statistics from June 2025 compared to June 2024.
A: There are 1,746,430 registered vehicles in the country.
Q: What are the most common traffic violations since the new law was implemented? And how compliant are drivers?
A: Following the amendments to the traffic law and the activation of surveillance cameras, mobile phone use while driving and failure to wear a seatbelt became the most commonly recorded violations. This increase is due to enhanced monitoring through the newly activated cameras.
Q: After launching traffic campaigns targeting illegal overtaking and obstruction of traffic flow, how many daily violations have been recorded? And how are these violations monitored?
A: On September 28 alone, the General Traffic Department recorded 669 traffic violations. Monitoring continues daily through traffic officers, the Security Monitoring Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit, surveillance cameras in the control room, and drone technology used to detect violation sites. The goal is to reduce traffic accidents, prevent disruptions to traffic flow, and maintain smooth movement on public roads.
Q: What is the penalty for illegal overtaking and obstructing traffic flow?
A: Violating overtaking regulations under Article 37 of the traffic law carries a fine of KD 30 to KD 50, or KD 15 in case of a settlement. Intentionally obstructing traffic flow is punishable under Article 36 with a fine of KD 45 to KD 75, or KD 20 if settled.
Q: What are the serious traffic violations that cannot be settled and are referred directly to court?
A: Settlements and referrals to court fall under the authority of the General Traffic Department through the Traffic Violations Investigation Department, following an investigation into any violation that could endanger lives. Article 44 of the traffic law permits arrest in such cases, including racing, reckless driving, and dangerous behavior. All surrounding circumstances are taken into consideration when making these decisions.
Q: Have individuals been referred to court for committing serious violations?
What rulings have been issued against them? A: Yes, many violations have been referred to court, either by immediate referral of individuals or by submitting their case files. Traffic rulings vary between imprisonment, fines, or both. A total of 35 court rulings resulting in imprisonment and fines were issued in July, August, and September. Eleven rulings were imprisonment sentences, and 24 were fines. Among the most notable rulings were two months of imprisonment, a one-year driving license suspension, a KD 1,000 fine, and deportation from the country.
Q: What penalties are imposed for recklessness and carelessness violations under the new law?
A: The fine is KD 150 in case of settlement. If referred to court, the penalties range from one to three years in prison, a fine between KD 600 and KD 1,000, or one of these penalties.
Q: How many people were detained due to these violations?
A: In August, 111 people were held in the traffic detention center for violating Article 44 of the traffic law, which allows detention for up to 48 hours before referral to court.
Q: What are considered serious violations? Is a payment block placed on them? When can the violator obtain a settlement order?
A: Serious violations are those that endanger the lives of road users and cause traffic disruptions. A block is placed on the violation to initiate legal and administrative procedures according to the violation type. Settlements are handled exclusively by the Traffic Violations Investigation Department after completing the necessary procedures, whether that involves license suspension, vehicle impoundment, detention, or court referral
Using the phone and a lack of attention while driving
Q: If caught using a phone while driving, can the fine be paid electronically, or does it require an investigation?
A: Yes, the settlement amount of KD 75 can be paid electronically. The department may also refer the case to court, where the penalty could be three months in prison and a fine ranging from KD 150 to KD 300.
Q: Is the violation of “lack of attention while driving” automatically recorded along with the violation of using a phone while driving?
A: No. The violation of lack of attention is different from using a handheld phone while driving. If using the phone causes a lack of attention and endangers others’ lives, the other violation, “lack of attention,” is applied. The violation depends on the action and the resulting danger to people’s lives. For example, if a person uses a phone while driving but the vehicle moves normally, only the phone use violation is recorded. But if the vehicle is swerving, both violations are recorded immediately by the patrol officer.
Q: What is the amount collected from non-Kuwaitis after implementing the payment of traffic fines before travel?
A: All fines for non-Kuwaitis of various nationalities are collected at border checkpoints. As for GCC citizens, there is an ongoing cooperation project to complete the registration and transfer of traffic violations electronically between Gulf countries.
Q: If there are serious violations, can they be paid or the travel ban lifted at the airport or border crossings?
A: For serious and blocked violations, the violator must visit one of the traffic violations departments to complete the related procedures. Other violations can be paid at border crossings or through the Ministry of Interior’s website and the Sahel app. It is important to check traffic violations before departure to avoid any issues when leaving the country.
Q: Has the collection of traffic fines been applied to citizens before traveling?
A: No. Gulf system for monitoring violations
Q: How is the points system applied in the new 2025 traffic law? What impact does it have on drivers?
A: The traffic points system continues as outlined in the law, which has not been amended. The system affects the violator when their points reach the level that leads to license suspension.
Q: What penalties are imposed for running a red light under the new amendments? How is this violation handled if it was accidental?
A: The violation results in license suspension under Article 42 for up to 4 months and vehicle impoundment under Article 207 of the traffic law’s executive regulations for up to two months. The fine ranges from KD 600 to KD 1,000, with imprisonment from one to three years. In case of settlement, the fine is KD 150. Violations can be recorded directly or indirectly through traffic cameras. If the violator objects, they can visit the Traffic Violations Investigation Department to verify the violation, which is a right available to all.
Q: How is driving without a license or with a canceled license handled?
A: Driving with a canceled license or without a license means the person does not hold a valid driving license. The procedures for this type of traffic violation are applied accordingly.
Q: When is an expatriate deported? What violations lead to deportation? Is deportation applied after the first offense or only for repeat violations?
A: Deportation is an administrative decision issued after an investigation into a serious traffic violation. It does not require the violation to be repeated.
Q: How many people have been deported for committing serious violations since the new law was implemented?
A: Around 15 individuals were deported in May, June, and July.
Q: Are driving licenses revoked for expatriates if the job title under which the license was issued is canceled?
A: Driving licenses are issued based on the conditions outlined in Ministerial Decision No. 270/2020. If any of these conditions are no longer met, the license is revoked.
Q: Is the validity of expatriates’ driving licenses linked to their residency duration? What is the validity period for expatriates’ driving licenses?
A: There is no connection between the driving license validity and residency duration. Expatriates are granted licenses valid for five years, whether for vehicles or motorcycles, as stated in Article 85.
Q: What measures are taken against minors driving vehicles without a driver's license?
A: Minors committing this violation are referred to the Juvenile Prosecution. Their vehicles are impounded for up to two months according to Article 207 of the executive regulations of the traffic law. They face a fine ranging from KD 150 to KD 300 and imprisonment for three months. In case of a settlement, the fine is KD 75.
Q: Are there statistics on these numbers?
A: In August, 232 traffic violations were recorded against minors, and they were referred to the Juvenile Prosecution.
Q: Are actions taken against the guardian of the minor?
A: A violation is recorded against the vehicle owner, whether the guardian or another person, with penalties including a fine of KD 100 to KD 200 and imprisonment of up to two months. In case of a settlement, the fine is KD 50.
Q: What if the guardian was unaware that their child took the vehicle?
A: The Juvenile Prosecution handles legal matters, and the guardian may be held accountable for negligence in supervising the minor.
Q: How many minors have been referred to prosecution during the current period?
A: A total of 168 individuals under the age of 18 were referred to the Juvenile Prosecution for driving without a license.
Q: What violations require vehicle impoundment?
A: All violations listed in Article 207 of the executive regulations of the traffic law require vehicle impoundment.
Q: Regarding vehicle insurance, what are the fines for not renewing the vehicle registration book or driving license, and what are the fines for delays under the new law?
A: The fine for not renewing is KD 15.
Q: Can the vehicle registration book and driving license be presented digitally via the Sahel app, or is a physical copy required?
A: Yes, the digital versions on the Hawiyati app are sufficient. However, if the driver is not the vehicle owner, the physical ownership book must be carried.
Categories exempt from the residency and salary requirements, provided they hold a university degree, are:
- Judges and members of the Public Prosecution
- Consultants and experts
- Faculty members of universities and applied institutes
- Doctors and pharmacists
- Journalists and media professionals
- Engineers
- Veterinarians
- Researchers of all kinds
- Legal professionals
- Translators
- Teachers
- Social specialists
- Librarians
- Mosque imams, and muezzins working in government entities
- Sports coaches working in sports federations and clubs within government bodies
Categories exempt from residency, salary, and university degree requirements for issuing licenses to expatriates include:
- Kuwaiti wives, widows, or divorced women from foreigners who have children with them.
- Husbands of Kuwaiti women and their foreign children
- Residents with illegal status who hold valid security cards and health insurance
- Members of diplomatic bodies
- Professional athletes affiliated with clubs and sports federations in government entities
- Drivers and representatives in government entities, and general representatives holding a valid driver’s license issued by their country or any other country
- Domestic workers and similar categories who have worked continuously for at least two years with the same sponsor, provided their profession is changed to driver.
- Specialized technicians in the oil sector under the Oil Police
- Physical therapists and all other medical technicians
- Pilots, their assistants, captains, ship commanders, and guides
- Mortuary washers
- Housewives with children whose husbands are pilots, assistants, captains, or ship guides, as well as judges, public prosecutors, consultants, experts, university and institute faculty members, doctors, pharmacists, executive managers, general managers, and their assistants.
First offense: 14 points - license suspension for 3 months
Second offense: 12 points - license suspension for 6 months
Third offense: 10 points - license suspension for 9 months
Fourth offense: 8 points - license suspension for 1 year
Fifth offense: 6 points - permanent license revocation
A fine of 15 dinars is imposed for failing to renew the vehicle registration booklet or driver’s license, as well as for late renewal of the vehicle registration booklet. Brig. Gen. Al-Qattouan affirmed that the total number of vehicles in Kuwait has reached 1,746,430. He affirmed that the amendments to the new traffic law have played a major role in reducing traffic violations by 53 percent, traffic accidents by 74 percent, and fatalities by 75 percent.
The ongoing traffic campaigns conducted in all governorates aim primarily to achieve traffic discipline rather than simply issuing fines. Brig. Gen. Al-Qattouan stressed that strict adherence to traffic laws helps drivers avoid violations, fines, and legal consequences.
It is worth mentioning that Brigadier General Nasser Abu Suleib expressed gratitude to the Director of the General Department of Relations and Security Media at the Ministry of Interior for facilitating the interview with the Director General of the General Traffic Department.
In the morning, he participates in awareness campaigns through various media outlets, explaining clearly and simply, urging everyone to follow traffic laws with words that inspire and promote positive behavior changes. He also leads ongoing awareness campaigns in schools and governmental and private institutions, delivering educational lectures with great skill and patience.
