The Ministry of Interior announced that Act 5 of 2025, which amends Act 67 of 1976 and introduces stricter penalties for traffic violations, will come into effect on Tuesday, April 22.
The Ministry’s General Directorate of Security Relations and Media issued a press release warning motorists against breaking the law. Under the new regulations, police officers are authorized to arrest individuals committing any of the following offenses:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other psychoactive substances
- Causing a traffic accident resulting in injury or death
- Participating in a motor vehicle race on public roads without a permit, violating traffic rules
- Attempting to flee the scene of an accident that jeopardizes an individual’s safety or failing to stop when ordered by a police officer
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h
- Driving buggies in unauthorized areas
- Running a red light
- Using a vehicle for purposes other than its intended use
- Transporting passengers for a fee without the proper permit
- Reckless or negligent driving that endangers the driver, passengers, others, or property
- Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, with a suspended or revoked license, with a license not suitable for the specific vehicle, or without the required permit as per law or regulations
- Driving a vehicle without the license plates issued by the General Traffic Department
As for fines, the new law increases penalties significantly. The fine for running a red light has risen from KD 50 to KD 150. Reckless driving fines are up from KD 30 to KD 150. Parking in spots designated for people with special needs will now incur a fine of KD 150, up from KD 10. The fine for using a mobile phone while driving has increased from KD 5 to KD 75, and the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is now KD 30, up from KD 10.
These tougher penalties are aimed at improving public safety, ensuring the well-being of both motorists and pedestrians, as well as protecting property.
