Services Available to the Residents

Dental Clinics
Some of the primary care polyclinics include dental units. There are also six public dental clinics in the country. The main one is behind the Amiri Hospital in Sharq. Though Kuwaitis are entitled to a full range of services, the range of dental procedures available to expatriates is restricted to cleaning, scaling and tooth extraction. To avail of special dental services, such as having a permanent bridge or crown installed, or even a root canal, expatriates must attend a private dental clinic at their own expense.

Private Medical Care
Despite the excellent comprehensive services provided by the public health service, private
hospitals and clinics thrive in Kuwait. The MPH regulates standards and the fees they may charge. The private hospitals and clinics have their own pharmacies. Most of them are general hospitals with some specialist departments. Some have limited equipment, such as ICUs, or specialists but still they have to refer patients to government hospitals for special procedures. Private clinics are usually staffed by doctors of a particular speciality. There are several private dentists and dental clinics providing services to international standards. Orthodontics are only available to expatriates through these dentists and clinics.

Special Drugs for Expats
The health ministry has authorised the dispensing of high-end special medicines to expatriate patients under treatment in hospital wards. Earlier such medicines were restricted to Kuwaitis only. If expatriates are admitted to hospitals, these medicines can be dispensed to them so long as they remain in the wards. Visiting outpatients will continue to buy their medicines against a prescription. Medication commonly required for ailments such as hypertension, high cholesterol , kidney
diseases, rheumatism and cancer were not previously dispensed to expatriates because of their high cost. An injection for rheumatism costs approximately KD 120 and for cancer KD 150, and for neuroendocrine tumour KD 600. The budget for medicines in three major hospitals in the country, viz Al Farwaniya , Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Al-Amiri amounts to KD 6 million annually.

Private Medical Insurance
Medical insurance, from companies such as Expacare, BUPA and ARIG, can be bought in Kuwait. Local group insurance often require a minimum of 15 persons, with an annual premium of about KD75 per person for a cover of KD5000 for both inpatient and outpatient treatment with an excess of 20%. For individuals there are some local medical insurance schemes (about KD125 per year) but the cover provided, the exclusions and age limits sometimes leave a lot to be desired.

Pharmacies
All areas have pharmacies. Some of the smaller pharmacies do not stock a full range of medicines. But in each major area - Kuwait City, Hawalli & Nugra, Salmiya & Rumaithiya, Fahaheel & Ahmadi, Kheitan & Farwaniyah at least one major pharmacy stays open all night. These late night openings are rotated, and the particular pharmacy, its opening night and telephone number are shown daily in the newspapers. Requirements for prescriptions are no less stringent than in Europe and North America. Though the contraceptive pill is available over-the-counter, many items freely available in Europe and the USA require a prescription in Kuwait, and indeed tranquillizers may only be prescribed by consultants with a special prescription. The prices of all medicines are fixed by the MPH and all pharmacies must, by law, charge the same price.

Hotels & Motels
There are more than 20 hotels in Kuwait. These are officially classified as 5 Star, 4 Star and 3 Star. Kuwait's top hotels compare favourably with the best internationally. Facilities include swimming pools, health clubs, tennis courts, shops, and business centres. Many have good conference and seminar facilities. Prices per day in the 5 Star range from KD50 for a single room up to KD100 for an executive suite, to as much as KD250 for the most expensive suite. Substantial discounts are usually available for long stays, a 15% service charge is always added to all prices. Kuwait also has a number of establishments which describe themselves as 'Motels', but which are really serviced apartments. The better ones have flats with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, sitting room and fully equipped kitchen, and the prices include housekeeping and laundry services. The motels usually have swimming pools, satellite TV and international fax facilities. Cheaper than hotels but offering similar facilities of comparable quality, they are suitable for executive expatriates, on short-term contracts of six months or so, for whom renting an apartment would not be cost effective.

Driving In Kuwait
Driving is on the right (left hand drive). The overall speed limit is 120kph, but on some motorways the limit is 100kph or 80kph. Speed limits are 45kph in urban areas and 60kph on urban dual carriageways and all bridges, flyovers and loop roads. Kuwait's roads are quite good, and as sign posts are in both Arabic and English, getting from one area to another is easy. There are 7 ring roads in Kuwait and the Ministry of Public Works is considering an eighth ring road, which could extend from Ahmadi in the south to Jahra in the north. Sources close to the Ministry have stated that a particular advantage of the road will be its potential as alternative traffic for trucks and other heavy vehicles. There are radar cameras, which record vehicle and speed, on motorways and some main roads and at traffic lights. Wearing seat-belts is compulsory for all passengers and children under 10 years may not sit in front. When entering a roundabout a car must stop fully, rather than just giving way. The rule of "right of way to cars approaching from left" is applicable on the roundabouts. Parking against black and yellow blocks painted on curbstones and on pavements is illegal. A driver must show his driving license and Registration Card when asked by the police. If he cannot do so, he is taken to the police station, fined and held until someone brings them on his behalf. A driver who is jailed by the traffic court for a major offence may find that he is barred from renewing his residence and is thus effectively deported.

Car Hire & Leasing
There are plenty of car hire firms in Kuwait. To rent a car, foreigners on visit visas need an international license, major credit card, and passport copy. Foreigners residing in Kuwait must have a Kuwaiti license. Hire rates, sometimes a combination of time and distance with the first 150km a day free. Charges are based on a 24-hour day and an hourly charge (excess hours) for late return is made. Special weekend rates are available. Insurance maybe included in the hire rates. But those using an international license must have their license validated through a local insurance company, at a cost of KD9 a month.

Petrol or Gas
Kuwait has over 90 petrol stations, many of them self-service. All are operated by Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). Petrol stations are easy enough to find in the Metropolitan Area and some are open 24-hours a day. But they are few and far between in the more remote desert regions. However, at only 60fils a litre for unleaded premium petrol and 65fils for super premium and only 55fils a litre for diesel, fuel is the cheapest in the world.

The pre-paid Smart Card for fuel consumption is now available in Kuwait from PetroNet in a selective suitable denomination of KD15, KD20, KD25 and KD30. The holder of card could utilize the nominal amount partly or fully in one or various fillings in accordance to the announced official fuel tariff, where the cost of the fuel will be deducted from the card and the remaining balance could be used for several other refueling. When the amount of the card is fully consumed, the card is disposable. PetroNet pre-paid card is considered as a reporting and controlling instrument for fuel expense, where a receipt for each fueling transaction will be issued detailing card number, name of the station, date, time, quantity of litres, the amount paid and remaining balance. Moreover, a statement with a track record for each card could be obtained by fax from PetroNet. For more info, contact PetroNet representative at the station or call Tel : 2438001- Fax : 2438002

Driving Out Of Kuwait
To drive a car from Kuwait through other countries the following are required:

• International Driving License
• Orange Card Insurance (for Arab countries)

• Triptyque Green Card Insurance (for Europe) To enter European countries, a vehicle ownership international book is also needed. International driving licenses are issued by the KT club for KD 8, on presentation of a valid Kuwaiti driving license and one passport-sized photograph. The club also issues the vehicle ownership international book. Orange and green card insurance may be obtained from car insurance companies or the KT Club. The Triptyque (international car certificate or 'carnet de passage') is a 25-page booklet containing tear-off transit coupons, with one entry and one exit coupon plus counterfoil per page. The booklet shows the details of the vehicle, and guarantees that if it is left in the foreign country through which it is passing then any customs duty will be paid by the automobile club which issued it. A Triptyque is valid for one year, during which 25 entries into and exits from other countries can be made without paying import duty. When entering a country the entry coupon is removed by customs, and the entry stamped on the counterfoil. When leaving the exit coupon is removed and the exit will be stamped on the counterfoil. Triptyques can be obtained from the KT Club, other driving clubs and from some travel agents. A Kuwaiti guarantor plus a fee of KD30 is required. If a Kuwaiti guarantor is not available then a bank guarantee letter is required for a maximum amount of KD.2000. A fee of KD. 23 is charged by the bank.

Exporting Vehicle
There are two ways to export a vehicle from Kuwait. The first is the easiest for those who are driving back to their home country. The second way is for those who are sending their car home by sea-freight. In the first way the expatriate obtains a Triptyque and drives home on Kuwaiti number plates. Once the car has been registered in his home country he returns the number plates to the traffic department in Kuwait, and the Triptyque to the issuer in Kuwait to have his deposit refunded or his Kuwaiti guarantor guarantee released. In the second, more official way, the number plates are taken to the traffic department and exchanged for an export number and various documents. These are then taken to the customs department in Shuwaikh in order to obtain an export permit which allows the vehicle to be shipped out of Kuwait.

Driving Licences
A GCC national may drive a car in Kuwait on his home country license. Non-GCC nationals may not drive on a GCC license. An expatriate on a visit visa may only drive on an international driving license for the period of validity of his visa and any extension and a license issued in his home country is not acceptable. Foreign nationals with residence permits can only drive on a Kuwaiti license.

Driving Accidents
The emergency services and police usually respond quickly to traffic accidents. In nearly all cases all the parties involved are required to go with the police to the nearest station to sort out matters. If the police decide to prosecute and the accident is not serious, those involved are required to post a bond pending their appearance in court. If an accident is serious, the parties may be held in custody until they appear in court.

Driving Offences & Penalties
The new traffic law was passed by the National Assembly in June 2001 introducing stiffer penalties for major life-threatening offences such as running a red light, speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and repetitive offences. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable by upto a year in prison and/or a KD 500 fine. The court can also confiscate the driving license in case of repetitive offences. Driving without a valid driving license or driving a vehicle not permitted to drive as per the driving license, is punishable by KD 100 fine and/or one month in jail. Out of court settlement is possible after the payment of KD 30 fine. Breaking a red light is punishable by up to three months in jail and/or KD 300 fine, however out of court settlement can be made by paying KD 50.

Speeding, unauthorised racking, wrong side driving are punishable by up to KD 100 fine. For out of court settlement the violator will have to pay KD 50 fine. Failure to fasten the seat belt, failure to produce a driver's license or the vehicle registration book upon request by traffic police or security men is punishable by upto KD 15 fine. An out of court settlement is possible after payment of KD 10.

There are two types of monetary penalties, settlement and court fines. Settlement refers to fines that may be paid without going to court. However, out-of-court settlements must be made within 30 days of committing the offence or from the date of being informed. If this time limit is exceeded then the offender must pay the minimum court fine in settlement, unless he decides to go to court. Out-of-court settlement is not acceptable in certain circumstances and the matter must go to court where the penalties are more onerous. If jumping a red light or exceeding the speed limit results in death or serious injury, settlement is not allowed and the driver is liable to a court fine of at least KD1000 and a jail term of one to two years. If these offences are carried out under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the jail-term is two to three years. The law has also introduced the "points system" which is a record of the number and nature of traffic offences for drivers within a period of one year. The points will determine the penalty of suspending the driving license for up to one year or revoke the driver's license completely and require drivers to pass driving test again. The new points system for traffic offences effective from November 1, 2001 is as follows:

• Four points are recorded in the drivers record for breaking the red light, exceeding the speed limit, driving the vehicle in the opposite direction of the traffic flow or reckless driving.

• Three points are recorded for driving a vehicle other than the type allowed in the driver's license, driving a vehicle with expired or suspended registration, using a vehicle for racing without a permit, using a vehicle to commit immoral acts, driving a vehicle without or with tampered license plate, or using false information to obtain drivers license or car registration documents.

• Two points are recorded for using a private vehicle to ferry passengers for money, deliberately obstructing traffic, driving a vehicle with malfunctioning brakes or handing over the vehicle to someone without a valid driving license.

• One point is recorded for driving a vehicle with unclear or unreadable license plates, driving a vehicle with a missing plate, or making any changes to the shape and colour of the plates, failure to produce the driving license or the registration card, operating a vehicle producing excessive noise or smoke or with insecure cargo, or faulty tyres.

A driver who accumulates 14 points faces having his license suspended for three months for the first time. For the next 12 points, the driving license is suspended for six months, for next 10 points nine months and for another next 8 points upto one year.

For the next six points, the fifth time, the driving license is revoked and the driver must apply for a new driving license and take the driving tests again. The points are cancelled only after the execution of the stipulated penalties or maintaining a clean driving record for a year after recording of the most recent points. A court conviction or an out-of-court settlement for traffic offences does not cancel the recorded points. New drivers who commit serious offences such as breaking the lights, exceeding the speed limit or driving against the traffic flow, during their first year on the road have their licenses withdrawn, and have to wait four months and retake the driving test before applying for a new licence.

The police have the power to detain drivers for the following reasons:

• Driving without a valid driving license
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Causing an accident which may result in death or serious injury
• Racing on the public roads.
• Attempting to flee after being involved in an accident in which people may have been injured or after being ordered to stop
• Failing to stop at a red traffic light.
• Driving recklessly so as to endanger others.

KUWAIT TRAFFIC LAW

This law deals with all aspects of traffic, the conduct of drivers, vehicles on the roads, pedestrians, and relationship among them on the roads. It will cover the few clauses of the law that touch upon conduct of drivers, the way they handle their vehicles, maintenance of vehicles, registration of ownership, civil and criminal liability befalling the owners of vehicles, or their drivers, penalties, conciliations, and other relevant issues.

All vehicles should be licenced in accordance with procedures stipulated in the executive regulations. The exceptions to that are the following:

• Vehicles on temporary stay in Kuwait (vehicles for transit, re-export and tourists vehicles).
• Military vehicles.

The executive regulations following this law show in detail the procedures needed to get vehicles licenced for road traffic. This law imposes upon vehicles' dealers the obligation to register the sold vehicles in the name of buyer even if he does not pay its price in full (with indication on the vehicle licence that it is bought on installments).

Insurance against civil liability is obligatory for all vehicles; the law dictates that vehicles should be in proper working conditions when on the roads, otherwise licensing or renewal of licence is refused.

When licencing the vehicle the number plates given to owner by traffic department should be put on the front and back of vehicles in their designated places without any change effected on them. But if number plates were lost (one or both) the traffic department must be informed immediately.

The traffic law dictates that any change of address, or other personal information of vehicle owner, loss or damage of vehicle licence, must be reported to traffic department within ten days. For lost or damaged vehicle license, the owner can apply to get a new one; but after he gets a new one if the lost one is found, he should hand it over to the traffic department.

In case the owner of the vehicle intends to have some change done to his vehicle, (change of colour, body parts additions, etc.) he must get approval from Traffic department before he embarks on doing that change.

If the vehicle owner wants to sell the vehicle the procedures are easy: after both buyer and seller agree and settle on price and payment, the rest is done in the insurance company by filling a form and signing it with the necessary attachments of papers (copies of ID and driving licence) and taking the form to the traffic department for registration. This should happen within ten days, otherwise the consideration will be considered null, and a new one must be made.

In case the vehicle owner dies, his inheritors must inform the traffic department within sixty days ; if one inherits the vehicle he should register it in his own name within a week at most. If the owner is a company, or establishment (legal person), the name of the legal representative of the company must be indicated on the registration form. If the owner is mentally incompetent then his guardian's name should be put on the registration form.

DRIVING LICENSE
No one is allowed to drive without a driving license issued to him in accordance with the procedures as expressed in the executive regulations; exempted from this are the following:

• Holders of military driving license
• Foreigners visiting Kuwait or tourists who have valid driving licenses issued from their country in accordance with conditions stated in executive regulations.

The law demands from the holder of a Kuwaiti driving license to inform authorities of any change to his address within a period of ten days of change. The driving license should be with the driver when driving his vehicle, and should be presented to the Traffic police and other authorities on request.

A person teaching another person how to drive is considered jointly liable for any criminal acts, or breach of law committed by the person learning how to drive unless he proves that the one learning how to drive did that on his own accord without regard to instructions, or in violation of his instructions. Needless to say the traffic law requires anyone intending to learn driving, to apply for a permit and get it before he ventures into driving lessons.

Transporting of passengers requires a special permit from the traffic department, and private vehicles are not allowed to transport passengers for money.

The law allows the traffic authorities to withdraw the driving license given the first time to the driver, if the driver commits too grave violations of the law in the first year of his having the license and he will not be issued another driving license till the period of 4 months lapses from the day of withdrawal of driving license; and he might be subjected to another driving test beside penalties effected on him.

TRAFFIC RULES AND CONDUCTS
Driving has its rules and requires proper conduct which must be adhered to, to protect lives and property. The driver must comply with the traffic rules and regulations to facilitate safe driving on the roads. The traffic department takes it upon itself to state these rules and regulations of proper driving and to monitor its application.

The law forbids anyone from placing hurdles, of whatever kind on the roads without an appropriate permit from the traffic department. The traffic police has the right to remove these hurdles at the expense of the person who puts them.

The article 29 requires drivers in an accident that results in injury, to stop and report the accident to the authorities

Article 30 states that the owner of the vehicle, or the one legally responsible for it, is held accountable to any breach of law effected through the vehicle, unless proven otherwise.

Article 31 states that the vehicle driver and the passengers in the vehicle are not allowed to practice any immoral acts in the vehicle (kissing, sexual acts etc).

Article 32 states that vehicles of all types are not allowed to race on certain roads without a certain permit.

PENALTIES
Anyone who commits any of the acts following is punished with a maximum sentence of three months imprisonment, or a maximum fine of KD 100, or both.

• Driving a vehicle without a driving license, or a vehicle that needs a special permit not issued to driver, or driving a public transport vehicle with a private driving license, or driving a vehicle without a valid insurance.

• Driving recklessly exposing oneself and others to harm.

• Causing damage to public property.

• Driving an unsafe vehicle.

• Repairing a damaged vehicle without the necessary permit to do so. (Ministry of Interior, police department issues these permits). In case this happens, the workshop or the repair shop where the vehicle was repaired will be held responsible.

• Driving a vehicle without its number plates or with changes effected on them, or driving an unlicensed vehicle.

• Giving wrong information on official forms for the purpose of getting a driving license, or renewing it or getting a permit to learn driving (Istimara) or getting a vehicle license, or demand a replacement for any of the above.

Anyone who jumps a red traffic light gets a maximum prison sentence of three months or a fine of maximum KD.300 or both, and if he speeds beyond the limits allowed, he gets the same prison sentence or KD.100 fine, or both. Also he gets penalty of KD.100 or a prison sentence or both penalties if he races without permit, or in violation of what the permit allows. If he drives in opposite direction of traffic on the highways he gets the same penalty as the previous one.

Under article 34, committing the following acts would bring a penalty of maximum of one month in prison, or maximum KD.75 fine or both.

• Causing damage to property.

• Using private vehicles as taxis ( to transport people for money).

• Intentionally blocking the traffic flow on roads.

• Driving a vehicle with no brakes, or having mechanical problems.

• Lending a vehicle to somebody who does not have driving license.

Under article 35, a person is punished by imprisonment for a maximum of 15 days or a maximum fine of KD.25, or both if he commits any of the following acts:

• Driving a vehicle without the consent of its owner, or person in charge of it.
• Driving a vehicle that has any changed effects on it (number plate, color or illegible numbers).
• Driving a vehicle without a valid permit, or without a permit, or with a different permit.
• Refusing inspection of the vehicle's license and driver's license to the Traffic police.
• Violating rules regarding dimensions of vehicle and limits of loads.
• Driving a vehicle that emits toxic fumes and hazardous materials; and being mechanically unfit and unsafe to drive.
• Fixing non-permitted extra lights or loudspeakers onto the vehicle.
• Damaging traffic signals and signs, or monitors or effecting any changes to them.
• Driving and parking on pedestrian ways.
• Parking the vehicle at night on highways and unlighted roads outside the town, without lights or light reflectors.
• Using high intensity lights in non-permitted circumstances.
• Not abiding by road lanes, or other traffic signs, or driving on the far sides of the roads where emergency parking is allowed.
• Turning or driving in the opposite direction of traffic.
• Driving an uninsured vehicle.

Under article 36, the following acts of violating the law are punished with a penalty of KD15.

• Public transport vehicles that take in more than the permitted number of passengers.
• Public transport vehicle refusing to take passengers without a legitimate reason.
• Demanding fares more than what is allowed.
• Carelessly leaving animals on the roads.
• Violation of traffic rules by motorcyclists and pedestrians.
• Driving a vehicle in the night without any lights on.
• Driving a vehicle without carrying the necessary license.
• Driving a vehicle with lower speed, than indicated on the roads, that leads to traffic jam.
• Abandoning the vehicle by the side of the road.
• Not fastening the seat belts.
• Parking in places reserved for the physically handicapped.
• Riding on external parts of vehicle.
• Driving a vehicle that lacks safety measures stipulated in executive regulations.
• Violating the instructions of traffic or security police.
• Tinting the windows and windshields of vehicle without permission from traffic authorities.

The law under article 37 also states the penalty of maximum KD.15 to any violation of the law not mentioned in the section on penalties.

The law under article 38 meters out a harsher penalty on the driver caught under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering medications, or other similar products. It prescribes a prison sentence of maximum one year, or fine of maximum KD.500, or both. The court will take account of any other law but extends a severer punishment for such cases. In addition to such punishment the court will order withdrawal and withholding of the driving license for a maximum period of one year. In case of repeating this violation the court will order withdrawal of driving license for three years, and will double the punishment terms.

The court of law has the right to withdraw the vehicle license, driving license, or number plates, for a maximum period of one year if the driver is indicted for a crime related to his vehicle under article 39.

Conciliation under article 41 is accepted from the driver who violates certain articles on the following bases:

• To pay KD.30 for violations of article 33 of the Traffic law

• To pay KD.20 for violation of article 34 of the Traffic law

• To pay KD.15 for violation of article 35 of the Traffic law

• To pay KD.10 for violation of article 36 of the Traffic law

• To pay KD.5 for violation of article 37 of the Traffic law

But in case of violation of article 33, the following is applied:

• To pay KD.50 if the violation is crossing the red traffic light, or driving in opposite direction on highways and ring roads and not having a permit to race on designated roads.

• To pay between KD.20 to KD.50 in case of exceeding the speed limit. Settlements of fine payments should be done in traffic departments within a period of two months, or after the violator is informed.

Article 42. The Director General of traffic department has the right to withdraw by authority of administrative order, the driving license, or vehicle license, or vehicle number plates, for a maximum period of four months in the following circumstances:

• If the driver violates article 33 and 34.

• Using the vehicle in violation of moral order.

• In case of accident resulting in death, or other unintended injuries, where the traffic police and other enforcement bodies can withdraw the driving license and other licenses when investigating the accident. The withdrawal of license is suspended after the judgement ruling in the criminal case but if the judgement entails withdrawal of the license then the period of administrative withdrawal of license does not count, and a new period of withdrawal must be put to effect.

The article 44 concerns the ministerial decree regarding allocation of points commensurate with different violations of traffic law. For each kind of traffic law violation corresponds a certain number of points. These points are registered in the violation record of a person if he is present at the time of writing the ticket; if he is not present, then these points will not be registered. This decree states that the driving license will be withdrawn for periods of times specified as follows.

• Three months if the count of points reaches fourteen for the first time.

• Six months if the count of points reaches twelve for the second time.

• Nine months if the count of points reaches ten for the third time.

• One year if the count of points reaches eight for the fourth time.

• Withdrawing the driving license for good if the count of points reaches six in the fifth time. And in this last case the driver will not be issued a new driving license until he passes a new driving test.
  

These traffic violation points are registered in the computer and are erased only in two situations:

• If the driving license is withdrawn in accordance with the dictates of this decree.
• If the driver does not commit any violation of traffic for a year from date of last violation committed by him. The number of license withdrawals stays in the computer for reference. The police can arrest anyone who commits any of the following violations:
• Driving a vehicle under the effects of drugs, alcohol, and mind-altering drugs, or medications.
• Participating in races on roads without appropriate permits.
• Attempting to escape after accident resulting in death, or injury, or from officers ordering him to stop.
• Driving a vehicle recklessly endangering the lives of people

Article 45. Concerns law enforcement bodies. Deals with ministry of interior traffic department and police enforcing the law.

Article 46. The reports drawn by police and traffic officers are considered true and legally binding till proven otherwise.

The executive regulations that relate directly to the individual, and should be known by everybody driving vehicles in Kuwait to evade committing expensive mistakes. In effect one owns a vehicle if he has one of the following documents:

• A purchase contract issued from the manufacturer or local agent.

• An official authenticated document signifying sale of the vehicles to somebody, or indication of owner on it.

• For imported vehicles; customs clearing papers.

• Any legal binding documents that indicates ownership of vehicles: contract of association of company (if the company owns the vehicles), a will, donations etc.

• In case of death of owner any document that signifies death of owner and the vehicle's transfer of ownership from deceased to one of the inheritors.

• A judicial ruling designating the legal owner of vehicle.

Under article 9 of the law, if a vehicle under mechanical inspection is found unsuitable to be on the roads, the owner can place a petition to the Director of traffic department, to re-inspect the vehicle, and it will be re-inspected within 48 hours, if found good, the fees of petition will be refunded. Also the owner of the vehicles can re-submit it for re-inspection after repairs are done, or other legal requirements are fulfilled.

Under article18, if the vehicle's license is set for renewal, but the vehicle is out of the country, a solid and acceptable excuse must be presented to the traffic department. Renewal in this case is done once, and it should be shown on vehicle's license. Upon arrival of vehicle's owner to Kuwait he should present the insured vehicle at the traffic department for mechanical inspection in accordance with normal procedures.

Under article 19, vehicles of transit travellers, foreigners visiting the country, or tourists are
exempted from vehicle registration in Kuwait in the following cases:

• If the vehicle has legally registered number plates and valid license.

• Owners of foreign vehicles entering Kuwait must refer to traffic department within one week of their entry to Kuwait.

• Insuring the vehicle in Kuwait or having the insurance policy covering driving in Kuwait.

• Informing the traffic department about addresses and places of residences of owners or drivers of foreign vehicles during their stay in Kuwait as tourists or transit traveller.

• Foreign vehicles in Kuwait should not stay more than 3 months, but if it is necessary to stay more, the traffic department must be informed one week before the end of 3 month period.

Article 28. Regarding heavy vehicle, construction vehicles of all types, industrial, or agricultural vehicles, the following should be met:

• The person requesting license for such vehicles must be one practicing a trade or profession that uses such vehicles.

• Approval of the governmental department supervising this trade or business. (Ministry of Commerce and industry, Authority for Agriculture and fisheries).

• Number of persons traveling in the vehicles must be indicated in the license (no extra persons is allowed in the vehicles). Heavy vehicles are not allowed to travel on public roads without necessary permits.

Article 37. Owners of licensed vehicles must return the number plates to the traffic department in the following cases.

• If the license has expired and the owner does not intend to renew it or a legal obstacle forbids.
• If the owner of the vehicles does not want the vehicle any more.
• If the license is withdrawn, or legally cancelled, or number plates are withdrawn.

In the above mentioned cases the number plates must be handed over to the traffic department or send by mail or hand over to Kuwaiti embassies as the situation arises.

INSURANCE
Article 63. Insuring vehicles against civil liability is obligatory. The insurance policy covers damage and injuries on property and persons.

Article 64. The obligatory insurance covers the passengers in the following types of vehicles, except the driver's family (father, mother, wife and children) :

• Private vehicles (family cars etc).
• Public transport vehicles.
• Taxis.
• Different types of private transport vehicles.
• Ambulances of all types and other hospital cars.
• All forms of transport vehicles.

Article 68. In case of an accident that results in damage and injuries, the insurance company does not get affected by any settlement between the insured and the injured.

Article 74. In case of an accident resulting in injury, the insured must inform the insurance company within forty eight hours; nevertheless delay in informing the insurance company does not relieve it from liability and obligation to compensate the injured.

Article 75. The insurance company has the right to put down in the contract any condition it deems reasonable, and in line with the traffic Law, and has the right to seek compensation from the insured if he breaches these conditions in an accident that leads to damage or injuries.

Article 76. The insurance company has the right to reclaim from the insured whatever money it paid the injured, in the following cases:

• l If it proves that the insured has given the insurance company wrong information that affected its decision to issue an insurance policy to him.

• Using a vehicle in breach of what the permit allows:
  - overloading the vehicle
  - transporting more passengers than allowed
  - using the vehicle for racing or speed testing

• If the accident happens and the driver is found drunk or under sedation.

• If the driver does not have the proper driving license designated for the type of vehicle.

• If the driver intentionally causes an accident that results in death.

Article 77. In case of damage befalling others from an accident, the insurance company must pay compensation regardless of its right to reclaim money from the insured.

Article 78. A person is not considered a passenger (and thus with no insurance cover) if he is not in a vehicle designated to carry passengers; and persons are considered passengers in a vehicle if:

• They are getting into the vehicle.

• They are getting out of the vehicle.

• They are in the vehicle.

Article 81. In case of a final court judgement over an accident, the insurance company must pay compensation within ten days from knowing about the final court judgement, and must follow prescribed legal procedures if it objects to the court judgement.

Article 87. In order for a person to be given a driving license the following conditions must be met:

• For Kuwaitis
  - An application must be of legal age.
  - He should be healthy and fit
  - He should pass a driving test.
• As of December 2005, foreigners living in Kuwait must now meet the following criteria in addition to the above.
  - A valid residence permit.
  - The salary must be KD.250 or more
  - The foreigner should have been legal resident in Kuwait for atleast 2 years before he applies for license.
  - Should hold a university degree

Exempted from the above conditions are foreigners with the following jobs or professions:

• Drivers for companies and establishments (employees working as drivers).

• Domestic helpers coming to Kuwait as drivers.

• Consultants, judges, prosecutors, experts, and lawyers.

• Doctors and pharmacists.

• College and university professors.

• Teachers, social consultants, laboratory technicians.

• Engineers and their assistants.

• Foreign wife of Kuwaiti as well as his divorcee or widow.

• Foreign husbands of Kuwaiti women and their children.

• Imams and Muazzins of Mosques.

• Librarians working in government institutions.

• Nurses, paramedics, laboratory technicians and supporting medical staff.

• Journalists and media professionals.

• Trainers, coaches, and professional players working for sporting clubs.

• Pilots and other aircraft crews: stewards and stewardesses.

• Housewives with children, whose husbands have a salary of KD.250 or more, and have been in Kuwait for atleast two years before the wife applies for license.

• Computer programmer with a university degree .

• Mandoubs (persons who handle paper work for companies in administrative departments).

• Undertakers and other morticians (gravediggers, etc)

• Translators and interpreters

• Company heads

• University heads

• Diplomatic staff

• Counsellors

Technicians of all kinds are exempted from the two years minimum legal residence condition if their salaries are not less then KD.250 per month.

Article 92 concerns with the medical checkup of an applicant and it is as follows:

• Medical checkup (normally for eyesight only) must be performed when driving license is applied for the first time, and every three years for drivers of private and public transport vehicles and taxis.

• Medical checkup for a driver is required if the traffic department comes to know that a serious health problem befell the driver (weak eyesight, physical handicap of any kind).

• Medical checkup for a driver reaching the age of 50 years, and then every five years till the drivers reaches sixty years of age a medical checkup must be performed annually when he reaches sixty years of age.

• For public transport driving license, once a driver reaches 40 years of age, medical checkup must be done every three years, and annually when he reaches sixty years of age.

Tourists, or transit travelers, or visitors of any kind holding foreign driving licenses are allowed to drive in Kuwait if they meet the following conditions:

• Refer to traffic department within one week of their arrival in Kuwait requesting permission to drive using their non-Kuwaiti driving license.

• The tourist or transit visitor should not exceed duration of stay in Kuwait without proper permission from authorities, and when granted permission to stay more, he should refer to traffic department before his legal stay necessitates extension.

• The foreign driving license must be valid.

• The vehicle he drives in Kuwait must be insured.

The driving license is withdrawn if the driver commits too grave traffic law violations in the first year of his having the driving license, such as the following:

• Crossing the red traffic signal.

• Driving opposite the direction of traffic.

• Exceeding speed limits.

The driving license can also be withdrawn if the driver commits a violation of the traffic law that endangers the lives of people, or causes property damages. In such cases the driver whose driving license was withdrawn can re-apply and get a new driving license after a lapse of four months, and the successful passing of the driving test.

WITHHOLDING VEHICLES IN VIOLATION
The cases in which a vehicle is seized and withheld for a certain period of time are the following:

• If the vehicle is found without number plates or with number plates different from those issued by traffic department.

• If the vehicle is found on the roads after the vehicles license or number plates are withdrawn.

• If the vehicle is found without a valid insurance policy or without a valid license.
• If the driver does not have a driving license or is not carrying it with him.
• If the vehicle has visible mechanical defects and no brakes.
• If the driver is racing.
• If immoral acts are committed in the vehicle.
• If the vehicle is obstructing traffic flow.
• If the driver is drunk, or under the influence of drugs.
• Using a vehicle for unlicensed purposes (using private vehicles to carry passengers).
• If the vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone or on the sidewalk
• Abandoning a vehicle on the road.

If the owners of seized vehicle do not claim their vehicle and pay the penalty fees within a period of three months, the traffic department has the right to auction off the vehicle and take from the proceeds whatever official dues and penalties are incurred, and put the rest in trust for the owner. But before the traffic department resorts to auction, it must publicize its intention in the official gazette ten days before auction date.

The traffic violation of exceeding the speed limit is reconciled with traffic department as follows:

• If the speed of vehicle exceeds the speed limt by 20 Km per hour the fine is KD.20.
• If the speed of vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 20 to 30 Km per hour the fine is KD.30
• If the speed of vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 30 to 40 Km per hour the fine is KD.40
• If the speed of vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 40 Km per hour or more the fine is KD.50

All kinds of traffic law violations are assigned an appropriate number of points for each. These points are registered in the computer system, and a certain number of points leads to the penalty of license withdrawal. The points are automatically erased from the system after:

• The lapse of one year free from traffic violations.

• A court ruling of not guilty.

• Suspension of the court case for lack of evidence.

Any driver committing a serious traffic law violation repeatedly, and accumulating a certain number of points will have all his procedures in governmental departments suspended until the withdrawal procedures of his driving license is completed.

BODY DAMAGE REAPAIR
All vehicle body repair shops must get the permission to repair a damaged body of a vehicle (due to accident) from the Interior Ministry (investigation officer in the police station). And those that do not abide by this rule can face suspension of business for a period of 90 days, or get their license cancelled by Ministry of Commerce & Industry in line with a request by traffic department.

DRIVER'S CONDUCT

• Drivers are required to respect traffic law in order to secure safe driving and not cause damage to people and property (public or private). They should behave in a civilised manner, refrain from immoral acts in vehicles, and not cause disturbances to pedestrians and residents in neighborhood.

• They should perform regular maintenance of their vehicles to insure their safety on the roads and if sudden mechanical problem stall the vehicle, the driver must move it away from traffic lanes.

• A driver should not use glaring headlights or disturb people by honking near hospitals or schools, and should not loaf around with his vehicle in residential neighborhoods.

• A driver involved in an accident must immediately inform authorities while staying put; and if passerby witness an accident resulting in physical injury they must extend a helping hand without effecting the scene of the accident.

Traffic Violations and Points Assigned
Type of violation Number of points

• Crossing red light - 4

• Exceeding speed limits 4

• Driving in opposite direction on ring roads and speedways. 4

• Driving a vehicle with an inappropriate driving license. 3

• Driving a vehicle, the license of which has been withdrawn or is invalid. 3

• Racing without appropriate permission. 3

• Driving a vehicle carelessly. 4

• Committing an immoral act in the vehicle. 3

• Driving unlicensed vehicle. 3

• Driving a vehicle without number plates. 3

• Driving a vehicle with number plates different from those issued by traffic department, or with changes of whatever kind effected on them. 3

• Willfully putting down incorrect information on application of driving license, or renewal or any other forms used by traffic department. 3

• Using private domestic vehicle as taxi. 2

• Intentionally obstructing traffic flow. 2

• Driving a vehicle with no brakes or with visible defect. 2

• Handing over a vehicle to someone who does not have a driving license or appropriate permit to drive that vehicle. 2

• Driving a vehicle with faded or unclear number plates. 1

• Driving a vehicle with one number plate or with change of number plates place, color or shape. 1

• Driving a vehicle without its permits or with an invalid permit, or without appropriate permit (pick-ups and construction equipment need special permits). 1

• Refusing to present driving license or other licenses (papers) requested by police. 1

• Exceeding load limits. 1

• Violating the official and registered dimensions of vehicles. 1

• Driving a vehicle that produces loud noises. 1

• Driving a vehicle that discharges fumes. 1

• Driving a vehicle with inflammable materials, liquids, or hazardous materials coming out of it. 1

• Driving a vehicle loaded with materials dropping on the road. 1

• Driving a vehicle that had an accident which made it unstable (unfit) for driving, or with parts unsuitable for use on roads. 1

• Using unauthorized lights, or horns, or any other fittings on the vehicle. 1

• Effecting any change or damage to traffic signals and signs of all kinds, or changing their places or directions. 1

• Not abiding by road lanes and other traffic signs. 1

• Driving on sidewalk. 1

• Turning or driving in circles, or opposite direction or entering the wrong side of the road. 1

• Driving a vehicle without insurance policy. 1

• Changing a vital part of the vehicle body. 1