A new traffic law to be implemented soon in Kuwait will allow expatriates to own only one vehicle. The Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs and Operations, Major-General Yousef Al-Khaddah, said that the decision was made to curb rising accidents. The law also brings with it a hike in fines and penalties for traffic violations. The official confirmed that fines have been increased by 750% in certain cases.

The new law will replace a legislation that has been in force the past 48 years. With the police issuing over 300 traffic tickets every day for violations including speeding, reckless driving, use of mobile phone while driving, or careless driving, offenders will have their vehicles seized from their homes, if not on the road or the ministry facilities.

The penalty amount will range from KD 15 for parking in prohibited areas to KD 5,000, besides jail term, for death and injury.

The fine for using a mobile phone while driving will be KD 75, and KD 30 for not wearing a seatbelt. Offenders will be charged KD 150 for reckless driving. Owners of vehicles that discharge harmful liquids or gases, and emit loud noises will have to pay a fine of KD 75. For drunken driving cases, the fine will be KD 3,000 and a jail term of up to two years.

Any damage to public or private property will also be taken seriously under the new law. The fine will be upwards of KD 2,000 with a jail term. – editor@nrifocus.com