74 Expats Deported from Kuwait for Traffic Violations
Kuwait has recently deported 74 expatriates who violated the country’s traffic laws, marking a significant effort by authorities to improve road safety. The action comes as part of stricter penalties to curb traffic violations, especially as the country faces an alarming rise in road accidents.
Brig. Mohammed Al Subhan, a security official, explained that the deportations were due to serious traffic offenses. These included driving without a license or committing other severe violations.
Rising Traffic Violations and Accidents
Last year alone, Kuwait recorded over 61,000 traffic violations related to seat belt usage and mobile phone use while driving. This is a growing concern, as it contributes to the country’s daily average of 200 to 300 traffic accidents. These incidents cause around 28 to 30 injuries daily, with 90% of accidents attributed to driver inattention.
In total, traffic accidents in 2024 led to 284 fatalities, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 296 deaths. Tragically, 11 of these victims were children under the age of 14.
Kuwait’s New Traffic Law
To address the surge in road accidents and fatalities, Kuwait is introducing a new traffic law in April. This law, which replaces the outdated regulations from 1976, includes tougher penalties to deter reckless driving and ensure greater safety on the roads.
Under the new law, fines for offenses have increased significantly. For example, the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving will rise from KD5 ($16.2) to KD75, while the fine for not wearing a seatbelt will triple to KD30. Reckless driving fines will jump from KD30 to KD150, and running a red light will now be classified as a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to KD1,000.
Officials stress that the new law is a crucial step in reducing traffic-related fatalities, which are now the second-leading cause of death in Kuwait, after heart disease.
With these changes, Kuwait is determined to improve road safety and protect the lives of its citizens and residents.