Kuwait to toughen driving license and vehicle inspection rules

 
  

The Traffic Department at the Interior Ministry is reportedly preparing new regulations for granting driving licenses to expatriates in Kuwait. These new regulations are expected to be submitted to the Interior Minister for approval after the formation of the new government.

According to sources, the new regulations will include an increase in the minimum salary requirement for expatriates applying for a driving license. Additionally, only certain professions will be allowed to obtain a driving license. These measures are intended to reduce traffic congestion on the streets, which has been attributed to the large number of expatriate motorists.

The sources also noted that many expatriates working in basic professions have been benefiting from lenient conditions for obtaining a driving license compared to neighboring countries. By limiting the issuance of driving licenses to certain professions and increasing the minimum salary requirement, the new regulations aim to ensure that only qualified and responsible drivers are granted licenses.

In addition to the changes in driving license regulations, the Traffic Department is also expected to issue decisions related to the technical inspection of vehicles. This may include preventing the registration of more than 20,000 vehicles over 15 years old, as the department has found many loopholes in how these vehicles obtain technical inspection approval.

To address this issue, the Environment Public Authority is expected to participate in the examination of vehicles with the Traffic Department. If implemented comprehensively, this could permanently remove such vehicles from use. Otherwise, their owners will be subject to traffic fines, and insurance will not be granted for them.

Overall, these new regulations and decisions are part of Kuwait's ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion on its streets. While these measures may pose challenges for some expatriates, they are expected to benefit the community as a whole and improve the overall driving conditions in Kuwait.

    

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IFL  - Kuwait 2024