The General Directorate of Traffic stated that it arrested a suspect for reckless and negligent driving that endangered his life, the lives of other road users and their property. The Security Control Department had monitored a video documenting the incident, leading to investigations that identified the driver. Legal procedures were completed, the suspect was referred to Central Prison, the vehicle was confiscated for the Ministry of Interior and crushed while the suspect watched.
According to the General Directorate of Traffic, Article 33 bis of the Traffic Law punishes reckless or negligent driving that endangers lives or property with imprisonment of more than one year up to three years, a fine of KD 600 to KD 1,000, or either penalty. The law allows the court, on its own initiative or at the request of the Ministry of Interior, to order confiscation of the vehicle upon conviction. This framework guided the handling of the case detailed in the directorate’s announcement.
The General Directorate of Traffic stressed in its statement that it will not tolerate behavior that threatens the safety of road users or puts lives and property at risk. The directorate noted that its teams actively monitor social media and other sources for evidence of such violations. This approach enables swift identification and enforcement actions across Kuwait.
The Ministry of Interior has carried out similar vehicle crushing operations in the past. A ministry statement in November 2025 described the transfer of several vehicles to a metal recycling facility after legal procedures for serious traffic violations were finalized. Earlier in 2024, the ministry reported using AI cameras to detect reckless drivers whose vehicles were later destroyed, according to a ministry press release.
Updates to the traffic law under Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025 have reinforced penalties for reckless driving, as outlined in official government releases. The decree introduced requirements for civil liability insurance on all vehicles and broadened the circumstances under which officers may arrest drivers. These measures form part of a broader effort to reduce road dangers, the Ministry of Interior has indicated in related announcements.
The General Directorate of Traffic continues to prioritize such enforcement to maintain road safety. The directorate’s statement on the latest case serves as a public reminder of the consequences. Videos documenting the crushing procedures have been released in conjunction with prior operations.
