QMC Kuwait Traffic Rules: Updated Guide for 2025
The QMC Kuwait traffic rules are the driving regulations and etiquette that guide traffic in the country. This article discusses these driving guidelines, highlighting everything you need to know about QMC Kuwait traffic rules.
Table of Contents
Kuwait QMC General Driving Rules
The general driving rules in Kuwait are as follows:
- Drive on the Right Side: Kuwait driving laws demand that all vehicles drive on the right side of the road. This means that only left-hand drive vehicles are compatible with Kuwait’s road system.
- Seat Belt Usage: Both drivers and all passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times.
- Driving License: Every driver is required to have the appropriate driving license for the vehicle they are driving.
- Maximum Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit in Kuwait is 120 km/h on highways and 60 km/h in urban areas.
- Mobile Phone Restrictions: It is disallowed to use mobile phones while driving in Kuwait. Unless a hands-free option is used, operating a cell phone while steering is prohibited.
- Prohibition of Alcohol: Drinking before or during driving is strictly forbidden. Drivers are required to have a blood-alcohol level of 0.0% while driving.
- Obedience to Traffic Signs: All traffic signals and road signs must be obeyed without exception.
- Tinted Windows: Tinted glasses are not allowed on the front and sides of the vehicle windows.
- Parking Restrictions: Parking is prohibited on curbs painted in yellow and black stripes.
- Roundabouts: Unless there’s a stop sign or oncoming traffic, drivers are not required to come to a complete stop before entering the roundabout.
Kuwait Speed Limit Rules
The following table highlights the speed limit rules in Kuwait:
| Road Type/Area | Vehicle Type | Minimum Speed Limit | Maximum Speed Limit |
| Expressways & Outer Roads (linking to borders) | Cars | 80 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Trucks & Heavy Vehicles | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Expressways (between 6th & 2nd Ring Road) | Cars | 50 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Trucks & Heavy Vehicles | 45 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Expressways (between 2nd & 1st Ring Road) | Cars | 40 km/h | 80 km/h |
| 5th Ring Road (East to West) | Cars | 50 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Trucks & Heavy Vehicles | 40 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| 1st Ring Road | Cars | 50 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Trucks & Heavy Vehicles | 40 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Ring Roads (1st to 4th) | Cars | 45 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Trucks & Heavy Vehicles | 40 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Main Roads in Urban Areas | Cars | None | 60 km/h |
| Residential Areas | All Vehicles | None | 45 km/h |
Common Traffic Violations and Penalties in Kuwait
Violating traffic rules in Kuwait will lead to the following penalties as detailed in the table:
| Violation | Fine | Additional Penalties |
| Crossing a red light | 150 KD | Potential vehicle impoundment. |
| Reckless driving | 150 KD | Up to 3 years imprisonment and fines between 600–1,000 KD. |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 75 KD | Up to 3 months imprisonment and fines between 150–300 KD. |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 30 KD | Up to 1 month imprisonment and fines between 50–100 KD. |
| Unauthorized vehicle racing. | 150 KD for each offender. | Up to 3 years imprisonment and fines between 600–1,000 KD. |
| Parking in spaces designated for the disabled. | 150 KD | Up to 3 years imprisonment and fines between 600–1,000 KD. |
| Driving under the influence (alcohol or drugs) | 500 KD and more | 1–2 years imprisonment; if causing damage: 2–3 years imprisonment and 2,000–3,000 KD fine; if causing death/injury: 2–5 years imprisonment and 2,000–5,000 KD fine |
| Driving without a license or with a suspended license. | 70 KD | Up to 3 months imprisonment and a 150–300 KD fine |
| Driving a motorbike without a valid license | 100 KD | None |
| Driving against traffic on ring roads or highways. | 100 KD | None |
| Allowing a child under 10 years old to sit in the front seat | 50 KD | Up to 2 months imprisonment and KD 100–200 fine |
| Intentionally obstructing traffic on public roads | 75 KD | Potential imprisonment up to 1 month and fines between 50–100 KD. |
| Driving a motor vehicle with one plate | 75 KD | Potential imprisonment up to 1 month and fines between 50–100 KD. |
| Exceeding speed limit by up to 20 km/h | 20 KD | Up to 100 KD |
| Exceeding speed limit by up to 30 km/h | 30 KD | Up to 100 KD |
| Exceeding speed limit by up to 40 km/h | 40 KD | Up to 100 KD |
| Exceeding speed limit by more than 40 km/h | 50 KD | Up to 100 KD |
| Severe speeding violations | 600–1,000 KD | 1–3 years imprisonment, court referral |
Kuwait New Traffic Law PDF
You can download the new Kuwaiti Traffic Law in PDF format “from here“ to stay up to date with its rules and regulations, which are essential for every driver in Kuwait.
Conclusion
QMC traffic rules in Kuwait are the guiding laws of the road. It is important to be familiar with these rules to successfully pass the QMC Kuwait traffic test and avoid legal complications while driving.
Questions & Answers
The legal driving age in Kuwait is 18 years.
Yes, it is mandatory to carry a valid driving license while driving in Kuwait.
Yes, seat belts are mandatory for both drivers and front-seat passengers.
No. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you use a hands-free device.
The speed limit on most highways ranges from 100 to 120 km/h, depending on the zone.
The speed limit is generally 45 to 60 km/h in residential or urban areas.
Fines for speeding range from 20 KD to 100 KD, and repeated offenses may lead to license suspension.
Kuwait has zero tolerance for alcohol consumption while driving.
Yes, CCTV and speed cameras are widely used to monitor traffic violations.
Running a red light can result in fines up to 500 KD, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment.
Yes, women are allowed to drive and hold driving licenses in Kuwait.
Expats must obtain a Kuwaiti driving license if residing long-term.