The Ministry of Interior has introduced a comprehensive system under the new traffic law to improve road safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors. Lieutenant Colonel Shaheen Al-Gharib, who heads the Television Section in the Security Media Department, spoke about the regulations during an appearance on the Second Radio Program. He made it clear that the primary objective is not revenue collection but the prevention of accidents, injuries and deaths on Kuwait’s roads. The official noted that while many infractions allow for immediate settlement, serious violations receive different treatment due to their potential impact on all road users.
According to Al-Gharib, using a mobile phone while driving carries a settlement fine of KD 75. Cases referred to the Traffic Court could see fines climb as high as KD 300 along with a possible prison sentence of up to three months. The lieutenant colonel pointed out that court decisions may exceed the initial settlement amount depending on the circumstances. He added that referral to court prohibits any on-the-spot settlement for such offenses.
The updated penalties form part of decree law number 5 of 2025 which took effect last year and substantially increased fines for several violations including mobile phone use that previously stood at only KD 5. A review by Gulf News of the legislation highlighted similar escalations for other dangerous acts such as running red lights which now carry potential jail time of up to three years. These changes reflect a determined push by authorities to bring down the number of traffic incidents across the country.
General Traffic Department data released in 2025 showed a 45 percent decline in road accidents during the first six months of the year compared with the prior period along with a 34 percent drop in fatalities to 94 cases. Colonel Fahd Al-Eisa from the department attributed part of the improvement to heightened enforcement and public awareness initiatives. Such statistics underscore the potential benefits of stricter measures against distractions like phone calls that multiple studies link to increased crash risks.
In recent operations detailed by the Ministry of Interior, traffic campaigns have issued tens of thousands of citations weekly while impounding hundreds of vehicles for various serious breaches. One mid-August 2026 sweep alone accounted for more than 35,000 violations and responses to over 1,000 accident reports according to compiled security figures. These actions demonstrate ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with the revised regulations.
Al-Gharib reiterated the call for motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules to safeguard their own lives and those of others. The ministry continues to deploy both educational campaigns and field enforcement to address persistent issues behind the wheel. Drivers can expect consistent application of the law whenever officers observe prohibited phone use during operation of a vehicle.
