Think Twice Before Overtaking: Kuwait Warns Repeat Traffic Violators

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 27: The Ministry of Interior has warned motorists that repeated violations of overtaking rules and regulations, as well as deliberately obstructing or impeding traffic on public roads, could result in referral to the Traffic Court for the application of the prescribed legal penalties.

According to an awareness brochure issued by the General Directorate of Traffic, Article 36 of the Traffic Law covers deliberately obstructing or impeding traffic on public roads and carries a KD 20 settlement fee, while Article 37 addresses violations of overtaking rules and regulations, with a KD 15 settlement fee. The Ministry also noted that vehicles may be impounded for a period of up to two months in cases where vehicle impoundment is applicable, in accordance with Article 207 of the Executive Regulations of the Traffic Law.

The General Directorate of Traffic stressed the need for motorists to strictly follow overtaking regulations and avoid any deliberate actions that obstruct or disrupt traffic movement. Such behavior, it said, can negatively affect the smooth flow of vehicles and pose a serious risk to the safety of motorists and other road users.

Meanwhile, Emergency Police statistics covering the period from August 16 to 22 showed that officers arrested 162 wanted individuals and 86 residency law violators during security operations. Five people suspected of drug use were also arrested and referred to the General Directorate for Drug Control, while seven individuals found in an abnormal condition were referred to the relevant authorities for further action.

During the same period, Emergency Police officers seized 10 wanted vehicles, issued 1,932 traffic violations and impounded 51 vehicles. Officers also responded to 131 traffic accidents, reflecting the continued security and traffic enforcement efforts carried out across the country.