The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has introduced a new traffic rule that fines women who wear a niqab or burqa while driving. This rule aims to improve road safety and help law enforcement identify drivers more easily.
Under the new law, women who drive while wearing a niqab or burqa will be fined between 30 and 50 Kuwaiti dinars (about PKR 13,200 to PKR 22,000). However, those who settle the fine immediately can pay a reduced amount of 15 dinars (around PKR 6,600). The rule does not include any jail time for violators.
Authorities explained that covering the face while driving can reduce a driver’s visibility, making it harder to concentrate on the road and increasing the risk of accidents. In addition, wearing a niqab makes it difficult for surveillance cameras to recognize drivers, which has been an ongoing challenge for traffic enforcement.
The new regulation has sparked mixed reactions. Some people support the rule, saying it prioritizes road safety, while others believe it may be unfair to women who wear the niqab for religious or personal reasons.
The Ministry of Interior has urged drivers to follow the new law to ensure safer roads and smoother enforcement of traffic regulations. The implementation of this rule is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to modernize its traffic laws and improve public safety.
