Traffic Law reboot off to smooth start
KUWAIT CITY, April 22: Enhanced road discipline and compliance among motorists were noticeable on Tuesday -- the first day of implementing the revised Traffic Law. Motorists are obligated to use seatbelts, abstain from mobile phones usage by hand while driving, respect traffic signals, and refrain from parking in restricted zones. Issued in January, Decree-Law No. 5/2025 amended certain sections of Decree-Law No. 67/1976 on traffic regulations. These amendments were published in the Official Gazette and took effect after a three-month grace period. Director of the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior Colonel Othman Al-Gharib affirmed the extensive preparatory efforts of the ministry, including a six-month public awareness campaign to educate citizens and expatriates about the new traffic legislation. He said the objectives of the revised law are to guarantee public safety and prevent traffic accidents that result in fatalities and serious injuries.
Al-Gharib informed the newspaper that comprehensive awareness campaigns in multiple languages on various platforms preceded the implementation of the law. He disclosed that these campaigns aimed to inform road users about the updated regulations, associated penalties and the importance of compliance for their safety. He added that his department continues to carry out such awareness campaigns. Director of the Technical Department at the Traffic Affairs and Operations Sector Brigadier General Khaled Al-Adwani urged motorists to pay attention to road signage. He clarified that the posted speed limits are the primary criterion for issuing violation citations, with fines ranging from KD70 to KD150. He warned that exceeding the stipulated speed limit, even by a single kilometer per hour, is considered a violation.
In a statement to Al-Akhbar TV, Al- Adwani warned the public about the legal consequences of driving vehicles that make excessive noise, which is punishable by imprisonment. He added that reckless driving is subject to vehicle confiscation through a court order, indicating that parental oversight is vital to prevent minors from committing such infractions. Officer in the Central Control Unit at the General Traffic Department Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al-Qattan affirmed the decline in the number of traffic violations and accidents upon the implementation of the new law. He said the areas that previously experienced high rates of parking violations witnessed a reduction. He also told Al-Akhbar TV that prior to the enactment of the law; the ministry conducted multilingual awareness campaigns, which contributed to increased compliance among motorists.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
215 Cooperatives, 97 Kuwaitis, And 118 Expats Referred For Prosecution
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 4: Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, has announced a sweeping crackdown on mismanagement and corruption within Kuwait's cooperative sector, underscoring the ministry's commitment to financial integrity and the protection of public funds. Dr. Al-Huwailah revealed that, since taking office, the ministry has dissolved the boards of 15 cooperative societies due to documented violations cited in official oversight reports. "This phase marks a critical step in correcting systemic flaws and ensuring that all violators are held fully accountable," she said. "There will be no exceptions when it comes to safeguarding public interest." As part of the ministry's anti-corruption initiative, 97 Kuwaiti nationals—including board members and staff of cooperative societies have been referred to the Public Prosecution, along with 118 expat employees. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized that these actions are rooted in a firm policy of zero tolerance toward financial and administrative misconduct. Additionally, 19 financial and administrative auditors overseeing cooperatives that are currently facing dissolution are under investigation. Two have already been penalized, with inquiries ongoing into the others. The ministry is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its auditing processes and performance evaluation systems. A National Priority Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed that enhancing transparency and improving regulatory oversight is now a national imperative. Recent amendments to Kuwait's financial disclosure laws, part of the "Integrity" framework, aim to bolster institutional accountability, not only in cooperatives but also in charitable and other public-facing sectors. 'Cooperative societies are vital to our national economy and social stability,' she said. 'We are determined to ensure these institutions continue to provide high-quality goods and services at fair prices while maintaining rigorous governance standards.' She made it clear that the ministry will not hesitate to refer anyone to legal authorities if found guilty of misusing public funds or committing administrative or financial violations. Legislative and Structural Reforms Underway The minister outlined a multi-pronged strategy to revamp the cooperative sector, which includes: Updating Legislation: Overhauling laws to reflect current needs and best practices.n Implementing Kuwaitization: E nforcing policies to prioritize hiring Kuwaiti nationals in supervisory roles within cooperatives.n Supporting National Products: Requiring cooperatives to purchase locally grown produce directly from farmers, eliminating intermediaries.n Regulating Cooperative Operations: Strengthening oversight to detect and prevent violations.n Promoting Sustainable Development: Encouraging cooperatives to play a more active role in community service and economic growth.n Protecting Shareholders' Funds: Enforcing stricter financial controls with no room for compromise.n Dr. Al-Huwailah also highlighted the ministry's collaboration with cooperative societies to uphold legal compliance, urging full cooperation with inspectors and auditing teams. She emphasized the importance of budget discipline and urged strict adherence to the financial limits approved by the General Assembly and the Ministry. Empowering National Talent and Entrepreneurs The minister reiterated the importance of national talent in revitalizing the cooperative sector and called on cooperatives to support Kuwait's workforce development initiatives. As part of the Kuwaitization policy, cooperatives have been instructed to promptly report vacancies in supervisory positions to the Ministry. In support of local entrepreneurship, Dr. Al-Huwailah reaffirmed the ministry's backing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), calling them a cornerstone of economic resilience. "Strengthening ties between cooperatives and SMEs will not only support national economic goals but also boost food and consumer security," she noted. Moreover, the minister emphasized the importance of upholding hygiene and health regulations in cooperative operations, ensuring legal labor practices, and curbing marginal labor. Reforming the Cooperative Work Environment Dr. Al-Huwailah concluded by reaffirming the ministry's unwavering resolve to clean up the cooperative sector. 'We will continue to enforce strict regulations and legislative reforms to preserve the societal and economic value of these institutions,' she stated. 'Our ultimate goal is to build a transparent, sustainable, and community-driven cooperative system.'
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Judiciary Cracks Down on Misuse of Disabled Parking Spots
KUWAIT CITY, June 2: The Traffic Misdemeanor Court has handed down a series of rulings against motorists who violated traffic regulations by parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, reinforcing legal protections for this vulnerable group. In one notable case, the court sentenced a Kuwaiti citizen to one month in prison and suspended his driving license for the same duration after he was found guilty of parking in a designated disabled parking space without authorization. Although the violation was not repeated, the court applied the stricter provisions of the Disability Law rather than the recently amended Traffic Law, as the offense occurred prior to the new law's enactment on April 22. Legal sources clarified that Article 63 of Law No. 8 of 2010 concerning the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stipulates a penalty of up to one month in prison or a fine of up to KD 100—or both—for unauthorized use of disabled parking spaces. By contrast, Article 33 bis of the updated Traffic Law introduces much harsher penalties, including imprisonment for one to three years and fines ranging from KD 600 to KD 1,000, depending on the severity of the offense. These penalties are applicable without prejudice to stricter penalties outlined in other laws. The rulings reflect a broader judicial commitment to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and deter misuse of facilities designated for their benefit.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Ethiopian Duo Nabbed For Stealing KD 1,700 From Car In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 2: As part of ongoing security efforts by the General Department of Criminal Investigation to track down offenders and combat crime, officers from the Al-Nugra Investigation Office, under the Hawalli Governorate Investigation Department, have arrested a two-member gang of Ethiopian nationals involved in vehicle theft through deception. The case began after a resident reported the theft of 1,700 Kuwaiti dinars from his car shortly after leaving a bank in the Al-Nugra area. According to the report, one suspect distracted the victim by pretending there was an issue with the car's rear tire, prompting him to step out. Meanwhile, the second suspect stole the cash from the vehicle and fled the scene. Through intensive investigation and route tracking, authorities discovered that the suspects had arrived in the area via a public bus from Fahaheel. After identifying their residence and obtaining the necessary legal authorization, police apprehended both suspects. A portion of the stolen money was recovered during the arrest. The suspects confessed to having spent the rest. Legal procedures are ongoing, and the individuals are being referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
