Kuwait cuts traffic violations by 95% using smart cameras and mobile radars: Here's how

TL;DR:

• Kuwait has deployed mobile radar speed cameras across major roads, significantly reducing speeding and red-light violations.

• In the first quarter of 2025, speeding dropped 43% and red-light offences fell 55%, ahead of tougher traffic laws effective April 22.

• After the law took effect, traffic violations plummeted up to 95%, mobile-phone and seatbelt violations declined, and fatalities declined sharply.

Beginning April 2025, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior deployed new battery-powered “Rasid” mobile radar units, capable of speed and red-light detection across major roads. These portable devices strengthen road safety efforts by allowing enforcement flexibility in high-risk areas.
These Rasid mobile cameras are easy to deploy at unpredictable locations, offering a tactical advantage over fixed systems. As a result, violation rates dropped significantly even before tougher penalties took effect on April 22, 2025. According to major-general Yousef Al‑Khaddah, speeding violations fell by 43%, while red-light offences dropped 55% in early 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
The new traffic law also introduced harsher fines, jail sentences, and tougher enforcement for reckless behaviours.

Enforcement Results & Policy Impacts
After April 22, Kuwait’s Decree-Law No. 5/2025 introduced stronger penalties for traffic violations, including:

• Red-light and reckless driving: fines up to KD 150 (~US$490), with possible three-year prison terms (repeat offenders).
  
  
• Speeding:
  
  
  • Light exceedance: KD 70
    
    
  • Higher breaches: up to KD 150
    
    
• Mobile phone use while driving: KD 75 (~US$245)
  
  
• Seatbelt violation: KD 30 (~US$98)
  
  

Automated cameras showed violations plunged by 95% in April, and monthly offences registered just 28,464 in May 2025, down sharply from 168,208 in May 2024 as per WHO. Key infractions like phone use and seatbelt neglect, fell by up to 75%, and traffic fatalities dropped by 55%.

How the System Works

• Rasid Mobile Radar Units

Battery-powered and easily deployable at variable locations, Rasid units enhance unpredictability in enforcement. They are effective at highways and intersections, focusing on speeding and signal violations.

AI-Enabled Camera Network
Alongside mobile units, Kuwait’s traffic infrastructure includes:

• 355 fixed surveillance cameras
  
  
• 7 mobile radar units
  
  
• 355 overtaking detection cameras
  
  
• 20 point-to-point speed (P2P) cameras
  
  
• 161 variable message boards
  
  
• 252 cameras for seatbelt and mobile-phone infractions
  
  

As per Arab Times, on July 27, 2025, a traffic enforcement operation using Rasid units across highways resulted in 118 citations, the arrest of three individuals and two impounded vehicles. The campaign emphasizes sustained action against speeding regardless of identity or affiliation.

Why It Matters

• Enhanced Road Safety

Significant reductions in key violations and fatalities show that enforcement strategy works.

• Flexible & Effective Enforcement

Portable radars deter dangerous driving even in locations without installed infrastructure.

• Cultural Shift in Driver Behaviour

Sharp drop in offences indicates growing compliance and awareness around traffic laws.


FAQ

• 1. What are Rasid units?

Portable, battery-powered cameras used to catch speeding and red-light violations on Kuwait highways.

• 2. How much have violations dropped?

Speeding fell 43% and red-light violations 55% in Q1 2025; in May violations dropped from 168,208 to 28,464 year-on‑year (≈ 85% reduction).

• 3. How much is the fine for phone use while driving?

KD 75 (~US$245) under the new law.

• 4. Do these cameras monitor seatbelts too?

Yes. AI cameras detect seatbelt and phone usage violations and issue automatic citations.

• 5. Can officers arrest drivers during these campaigns?

Yes, officers may impound vehicles or detain violators for serious offences even if they are in plain clothes.