The Ministry of Interior’s Resolution No. 1090 of 2026, published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum, establishes a framework for detaining vehicles at their owners’ homes through modern technological means. The General Traffic Department will oversee the installation of monitoring devices on vehicles involved in violations outlined in Article 207 of Ministerial Resolution No. 81 of 1976 when owners request the home-based alternative to standard impoundment. This approach allows continued use of the residence as the detention location while ensuring compliance via the installed equipment.
According to the resolution, vehicle owners opting for the smart home system must pay a KD 10 fee to cover the cost of device installation by a visiting officer in addition to a KD 2 charge for each day the monitoring service remains active. The resolution details that these fees support the operational expenses of the General Traffic Department’s new enforcement tool. Owners are further instructed to maintain the integrity of the equipment throughout its use.
The resolution lists specific obligations for participants including avoiding any tampering or damage to the monitoring device and bearing full financial responsibility for repairs or replacement if issues arise from owner actions. Participants must also observe all movement limitations set by traffic authorities during the impoundment period and return the device immediately upon completion of the term. Any malfunction must be reported to the department without delay to avoid complications.
Data from the General Directorate of Traffic shows that authorities issued more than 23,500 traffic violations and impounded 271 vehicles during the week of July 13-19 this year. The new smart home option could provide an alternative for eligible cases among the thousands of monthly infractions handled by the department. Such measures form part of broader efforts to manage road safety and compliance across the country.
Violations of the conditions attached to the smart impoundment will trigger penalties under Article 34 of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976 as stipulated in the resolution. The ministry has emphasized the binding nature of these requirements for all who choose to participate in the program. This legal backing ensures the system’s effectiveness in maintaining order.
The resolution comes into force on the date of its publication in the official gazette providing immediate availability for qualifying traffic cases. The General Traffic Department will determine the applicable violations and procedures on a case-by-case basis under the new rules. Implementation will rely on the department’s established protocols for device management and oversight.
