Traffic Violators in Kuwait to Clean Streets, Help Hospitals

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday that people convicted of traffic violations will now perform community service instead of paying fines or serving jail time.

Under the new reform, issued by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, courts can order offenders to engage in activities such as cleaning mosques, sweeping streets, planting trees in public parks, assisting at hospitals or special needs centres, and other public service tasks.

The change, which amends the country’s 1976 traffic law, aims to promote civic responsibility and rehabilitate offenders. Other possible duties include repairing damage caused by violations, participating in traffic safety campaigns, working with civil defence, arranging Qurans in mosques, painting pavements, removing waste from beaches, and helping at petrol stations.

Offenders may also be asked to distribute charity donations, deliver food to the needy, or attend workshops and training programmes focused on environmental awareness and behavioural improvement to reduce reckless driving.

The Ministry said the initiative will be coordinated with government bodies and non-profit organisations, with the General Traffic Department supervising implementation. The new system will come into effect one month after its publication in the official gazette.