Kuwait City: The Law 5/2025, amending certain provisions of the Law 67/1976 on traffic, was officially released on Sunday and will become effective three months after its publication in the official Gazette. The new amendments introduce significant changes to the licensing process, vehicle registration, and penalties for traffic violations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the amended law now mandates that the issuance or renewal of a driving license is contingent upon obtaining insurance. The Minister of Interior is responsible for establishing the rules, terms, insurance fees, and situations where insurance companies are required to compensate for accidents upon settlement.
The law also stipulates that each moving vehicle must display two plates provided by the traffic directorate general upon completion of licensing procedures. These plates must be visible, not blurred, and securely fixed, with one plate positioned at the front and the other at the back of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the Interior Minister has the authority to determine the maximum number of licensed vehicles and set taxi fares. Individuals looking to learn driving, whether for a vehicle or motorcycle, must obtain a permit from the Traffic Directorate General.
The revised legislation allows for the withdrawal of a newly-granted driving license if the driver commits two offenses as outlined in specific provisions, except for certain terms. A new license can only be obtained four months after the initial one is withdrawn.
The amended law also enforces strict penalties, including imprisonment of up to three months and fines ranging from KD 150 to KD 300, for various offenses. These include driving without the owner's consent, operating a vehicle with no or damaged plates, failing to present the driving license and vehicle papers to police, using illegal lights or banned devices, parking on sidewalks or pedestrian alleys, parking on highways at night without blinking lights, driving against traffic, and unauthorized modifications to a vehicle's color or major parts.
The law outlines several other cases that may result in punishment by the authorities, emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.