Kuwait's 'Be Aware' Exhibition Offers Second Chance for Drivers

Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wuhaib inaugurated the "Be Aware" exhibition at The Avenues Mall on Thursday. This initiative aims to raise security awareness and inform the public about the services provided by various sectors within the ministry. The exhibition represents a concerted effort by the Ministry of Interior to engage with the community and foster a better understanding of the laws and regulations that govern daily life in Kuwait, particularly in relation to traffic safety and security.

The exhibition features multiple booths representing different sectors of the Ministry, where visitors can learn about the services available to them. Major General Al-Wuhaib's tour of the booths highlighted the ministry's commitment to transparency and accessibility. The event is not just a display of services but also an educational platform aimed at enhancing public awareness regarding the importance of adhering to laws and regulations.

Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Nimran, Director of the General Traffic Department (GTD), announced that the department's participation in the exhibition offers citizens and residents a chance to remove vehicle registration blocks for minor traffic violations. This initiative is particularly significant as it provides a second chance for those who may have inadvertently committed minor infractions, allowing them to rectify their situations without facing the burden of unresolved fines.

Al-Nimran described the initiative as a valuable opportunity for violators to regularize their status, aligning with the directive of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. He emphasized the importance of encouraging compliance with traffic laws, revealing that serious traffic violations have exceeded 100,000. The high number of violations underscores the need for ongoing public education and enforcement efforts to promote road safety.

Motorists with minor violations can pay their fines and have their vehicles released immediately during the exhibition, except in cases of serious offenses like reckless driving or exceeding speeds of 180 kilometers per hour. The ability to resolve these issues on-site is a significant advantage for many drivers who may otherwise face prolonged periods without their vehicles. Al-Nimran also noted that the electronic link for traffic violations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been fully established, allowing for efficient monitoring and recording of violations. This cross-border collaboration is crucial in maintaining road safety standards across the region.

Al-Nimran warned about the dangers of speeding and urged motorists to avoid serious traffic offenses due to the risks they pose to other road users. He indicated that some offenders face severe penalties, including deportation. This serves as a reminder that traffic laws are enforced not only for the sake of order but also for the protection of lives on the road.

As the new academic year approaches, he confirmed that road maintenance and other preparations would be completed during the summer, reiterating the ministry's commitment to public safety and strict enforcement of traffic regulations. The timing of the exhibition is particularly relevant, as many families will be preparing for the return to school, which often leads to increased traffic congestion and a greater need for awareness regarding safe driving practices.

Colonel Fahad Al-Essa, Director of the Traffic Awareness Department, explained that vehicle owners whose cars have been impounded due to traffic violations can visit the GTD booth at the exhibition to settle their outstanding fines and have the blocks removed for immediate vehicle release. This process is designed to streamline the experience for violators, making it easier for them to comply with the law and regain access to their vehicles.

Al-Essa stated that the GTD booth offers specialized awareness programs highlighting key provisions of the Traffic Law and its executive regulations, while explaining common violations and how to avoid them. The exhibition aims to familiarize the public with the work of various units at GTD and to highlight the role of traffic patrols in enhancing road safety. By providing this information, the ministry hopes to reduce the number of violations and improve overall compliance with traffic laws.

Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Subhan, Assistant Director General for Licensing and Violations at GTD, noted that the implementation of the new traffic law, which took effect over a year ago, has led to a 50-60 percent reduction in traffic violations, particularly speeding offenses. This statistic is a testament to the effectiveness of the law and the ministry's ongoing efforts to promote safer driving habits among the public. He emphasized that the law's purpose is to protect lives and ensure road safety rather than merely generate fines, indicating a shift in focus towards preventative measures.

Currently, more than 4,000 vehicles are impounded in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Doha impoundment lots, along with around 1,600 motorcycles. Al-Subhan explained that these figures reflect the ongoing commission of serious traffic violations, necessitating legal action. The large number of impounded vehicles serves as an indicator of the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing traffic safety and compliance.

Legal procedures include issuing traffic violation citations, impounding vehicles, detaining drivers at traffic police stations, and referring repeat offenders to traffic court. He disclosed that court referrals may result in severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from one to three years for serious cases, as well as alternative sanctions like community service and mandatory traffic awareness courses. These measures are designed to deter repeat offenses and encourage a culture of responsible driving.

Colonel Faisal Al-Daihani, Director for Public Relations at the ministry, stated that the exhibition aims to introduce the public to newly enacted laws, including those related to the Coast Guard, drug enforcement, and traffic regulations. The exhibition features specialists to answer visitor questions and interactive screens for accessing information about the laws. This interactive element is intended to engage the public and provide them with a comprehensive understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Captain Ashwaq Hamoud, Head of Jalboot Al Khiran Center, highlighted the Coast Guard's participation in the exhibition, aiming to raise public awareness on maritime safety and security. She noted that the procedures for obtaining a marine driving license have been simplified for all nationalities, with licenses now available for applicants aged 17 and above. This change is expected to encourage more young individuals to participate in maritime activities safely and responsibly.

First Lieutenant Eng. Farah Al-Foudari of the General Directorate of Security Systems pointed out that the directorate's participation is intended to raise awareness about Law No. 61/2015, which regulates the installation of security cameras and surveillance systems. She explained that the law mandates retention of surveillance recordings for 120 days and prohibits alterations or destruction of recordings before this period ends. This law is crucial for maintaining public safety and ensuring that surveillance footage can be utilized effectively in investigations.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, providing citizens and residents the opportunity to benefit from available services, including paying traffic fines and removing vehicle registration blocks. The initiative not only serves to enhance public awareness but also aims to foster a greater sense of community responsibility among road users. By encouraging compliance and providing accessible avenues for rectifying minor violations, the Ministry of Interior is taking proactive steps towards improving road safety and reducing the number of traffic-related incidents in Kuwait.