Kuwait Unlicensed Drivers Penalties: Updated for 2025

Driving unlicensed in Kuwait results in law-enforced penalties. Drivers caught in such an offense can face severe fines or imprisonment. This article discusses the penalties of unlicensed driving in Kuwait, including answers to frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
Kuwait Unlicensed Drivers Penalties
Beginning April 22, 2025, individuals caught driving without a valid license, with an inappropriate license for the vehicle type, or with a revoked or suspended license will face a settlement order. If the violation is escalated to court, penalties may include up to 3 months in prison, a fine between 150 and 300 Kuwaiti Dinars, or both.
Offense | Fine | Additional Penalties |
Driving without a valid driver’s license | 75 KD | Possible imprisonment up to 3 months and/or additional fines between 150–300 KWD if referred to court |
Driving with a suspended or withdrawn license | 75 KD | Possible imprisonment up to 3 months and/or additional fines between 150–300 KWD if referred to court |
Driving a vehicle without a license that permits its operation | 75 KD | Possible imprisonment up to 3 months and/or additional fines between 150–300 KWD if referred to court |
Driving an unlicensed motor vehicle | 75 KD | Possible imprisonment up to 3 months and/or additional fines between 150–300 KWD if referred to court |
Driving a motorcycle without a driver’s license | 75 KD | Possible imprisonment up to 3 months and/or additional fines between 150–300 KWD if referred to court |
Delivering a vehicle to someone without a valid driving license | 50 KD | Vehicle owner may face legal consequences |
Driving with a damaged driving license | 30 KD | – |
Failure to renew the driver’s license | 15 KD | – |
Failure to present a driving license when requested | 30 KD | – |
Failure to present a vehicle operating license when requested | 30 KD | – |
Not carrying a driver’s license while driving | 20 KD | – |
Not carrying a vehicle operating license while driving | 20 KD | – |
Not informing traffic authorities about damage to a motor vehicle license | 30 KD | – |
Not informing traffic authorities about the loss of a motor vehicle license | 30 KD | – |
Not returning a license plate when it is no longer available or when the license expires | 15 KD | – |
Not returning the metal plate when the license is withdrawn | 15 KD | – |
Providing false data to obtain a driving license or license photo | 75 KD | Possible legal action and license revocation |
Conclusion
A valid driving license is a mandatory document for plying the roads of Kuwait. Vehicle drivers must ensure that they not only possess a valid license but also adhere to all the traffic laws and safe driving practices.
Questions & Answers
Driving without a valid license is punishable by a fine of 75 KD and potential imprisonment or additional fines.
In Kuwait, permitting an unlicensed individual to drive your vehicle can result in fine of 50 KD
Yes. expatriates in Kuwait committing serious or repeated traffic violations, including unlicensed driving, may face deportation.
Under the new law, courts may impose community service for unlicensed driving in Kuwait.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Kuwait may result in a fine of 75 KD and potential imprisonment or additional fines.
Yes. Failing to carry your driver's license while operating a vehicle can result in a fine of KD 20.