🚨 Kuwait Traffic Fines Guide: Violations, Penalties, Points & Payment

Kuwait's traffic penalties changed significantly in 2025, making many older fine lists found online unreliable.

For drivers, the important thing is not simply knowing a few fine amounts.

You should understand how violations are recorded, what an Order of Settlement amount means, when a case can go to court, how traffic points can affect a licence and when administrative action may apply.

This guide explains the practical system and shows selected current examples from the Kuwait General Traffic Department.

Kuwait's amended traffic penalties took effect on 22 April 2025.

Many penalties increased substantially.

This means an old website, screenshot, social-media post or message containing previous fine amounts may now be wrong.

Before relying on a particular amount, check the current General Traffic Department information.

The General Traffic Department's violation tables distinguish between an Order of Settlement amount and possible court penalties.

These are not necessarily the same thing.

For eligible violations, the settlement amount can allow the matter to be settled through the applicable traffic procedure.

If a case is referred to court, different statutory penalties can apply.

Therefore, do not read a settlement amount and assume it represents the maximum possible legal consequence.

The GDT states that some serious violations require review by the General Traffic Department.

Depending on the violation, administrative measures can involve:

A person may need to review the competent traffic-violation investigation section before settlement.

Follow the instructions shown for the actual violation rather than assuming every case can immediately be cleared online.

Using a mobile phone by hand while driving is treated seriously under the current rules.

The current GDT table lists a KD 75 settlement amount for using a mobile phone by hand while driving.

The same current penalty category also covers using another device by hand and being distracted from the road while driving.

If referred to court, higher penalties can apply.

The safest rule is simple: do not hold or operate the phone while driving.

The current GDT information lists a KD 30 settlement amount for failing to wear a seat belt.

Court penalties can be higher if the matter is referred.

Seat belts are not merely a way to avoid a fine.

They are one of the simplest protections available to drivers and passengers.

Running a red traffic light is among the more serious traffic offences.

The current GDT information lists a KD 150 settlement amount for a red-light violation.

MOI also states that if the violation is referred to court, substantially more serious penalties can apply, including possible imprisonment and a much higher fine within the statutory range.

Never treat a red light as a minor fine that can simply be budgeted into driving.

Speeding should not be reduced to one universal fine amount.

The current GDT table distinguishes speeding according to the amount by which the driver exceeded the applicable limit.

For example, the current table shows increasing settlement amounts for higher levels above the speed limit.

Because the exact classification matters, check the recorded violation rather than relying on a generic statement such as "a speeding ticket costs X."

Driving recklessly or negligently in a way that endangers people or property can fall into a serious penalty category.

The current GDT table lists a KD 150 settlement amount for specified reckless or dangerous-driving offences.

Possible court consequences are substantially more serious.

Driving behaviour can therefore create consequences beyond an ordinary monetary traffic ticket.

Driving against the direction of traffic, particularly on highways and ring roads, is treated as a serious violation.

It can also create an immediate danger to other road users.

Check the current GDT classification and do not assume it carries the same consequence as an ordinary lane or parking violation.

The current GDT table lists a KD 75 settlement amount for driving a motor vehicle without a driving licence.

Related offences include driving with a licence that does not authorize that vehicle category, or driving while the licence has been withdrawn or suspended.

Court consequences can be higher.

Always check that your licence is valid and appropriate for the vehicle you are driving.

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The current GDT table lists a KD 50 settlement amount for driving a motor vehicle without a valid insurance document.

Do not wait for a traffic stop or accident to discover that insurance has expired.

When buying a used vehicle, also make sure the insurance-transfer requirement is properly completed during ownership transfer.

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The current traffic-violation table includes specific child-safety offences.

These include:

The current table lists a KD 50 settlement amount for these specified offences.

Child-safety rules should be followed for safety first, not simply to avoid penalties.

Kuwait traffic rules include offences relating to vehicle modifications and glazing.

The current GDT table includes violations involving:

Do not assume a modification is legal merely because a workshop offers to install it.

Traffic enforcement is not limited to how you drive.

Vehicle condition can also create violations or administrative consequences.

GDT information includes matters involving:

Keep the vehicle roadworthy.

Driving on the road shoulder contrary to applicable rules is specifically addressed in GDT enforcement information.

Do not use the shoulder merely to bypass congestion.

Follow signs and any routes or circumstances specifically permitted by the traffic authority.

Different parking offences can have different classifications.

Examples can involve:

Check the actual recorded violation for the applicable consequence.

Kuwait operates a traffic-points system.

Traffic points can have consequences for a driving licence independently of paying or settling the monetary violation.

The traffic law provides for a points system under which a licence can be withdrawn for a period and, in applicable circumstances, ultimately withdrawn with requirements for obtaining a licence again.

Therefore, do not assume that paying a fine always means there are no other licence consequences.

Repeated unsafe behaviour can expose a driver to consequences beyond the first settlement amount.

Certain offences may be referred to court, and the circumstances of the violation matter.

The safest approach is not to calculate how many fines you can afford.

Treat repeated violations as a warning that driving behaviour needs to change.

For certain serious violations, GDT information explains that administrative withdrawal can apply to:

Where such a measure applies, the driver may have to review the competent department and complete the applicable withdrawal period/process before settlement.

Use official Ministry of Interior or General Traffic Department electronic services to check violations associated with you or your vehicle.

Do not depend on an unofficial website asking for unnecessary personal information.

The GDT states that direct or indirect violations that permit settlement can be handled through:

The exact options available can depend on the violation.

If the system does not permit online payment, do not assume the website is broken.

The case may require review.

Do not assume that no violation exists merely because you cannot see it immediately after an incident.

Processing and system updates can take time.

Check again through official services if you have reason to believe a violation may have been recorded.

Avoid repeatedly entering sensitive information into unofficial fine-checking websites.

Do not simply ignore it.

The GDT states that some indirect violations may be referred to court where there is a convincing reason, through review of the competent department and prosecution section.

The appropriate route depends on the violation and its status.

Keep any evidence relevant to your position and follow the official review process.

An accident itself can result in traffic consequences depending on what occurred.

Current GDT tables include offences involving damage to private property or public facilities, as well as more serious accident-related conduct.

Do not leave an accident scene or arrange an improper repair simply to avoid official procedures.

The current traffic tables include an offence relating to repairing an accident without written permission from the competent authority where such authorization is required.

After an accident, follow the official process applicable to the case.

Do not accept advice to conceal accident damage or bypass required documentation.

Never submit false information to obtain:

A shortcut involving false documentation can create a much larger legal problem than the original issue.

Be cautious of anyone claiming they can:

Use official payment, review and appeal channels.

Never provide Civil ID credentials, authentication codes or banking credentials to an unknown person.

As checked against the official GDT information in September 2026, selected settlement amounts include:

These are selected examples, not a complete fine table.

The recorded offence and its circumstances determine the applicable treatment.

Court penalties and administrative measures may be different from the settlement amount.

Before driving:

□ driving licence is valid

□ vehicle registration/status is valid

□ insurance is valid

□ tyres and brakes are safe

□ lights work

□ seat belt is fastened

□ children are seated safely

While driving:

□ keep the phone out of your hand

□ obey speed limits

□ stop at red lights

□ maintain lane discipline

□ do not use the shoulder improperly

□ avoid reckless manoeuvres

□ follow police directions

After receiving a violation:

□ verify it through official services

□ check whether online settlement is permitted

□ check whether review is required

□ understand any points or administrative consequences

□ retain payment/transaction confirmation

Kuwait Ministry of Interior — General Traffic Department:

https://www.moi.gov.kw/main/eservices/gdt

GDT — Current Traffic Violations and Penalties:

https://www.moi.gov.kw/gdt/trafficviolations

MOI — General Traffic Department:

https://www.moi.gov.kw/main/eservices/gdt