Expatriates in Kuwait must settle all outstanding traffic and Civil ID fines before leaving the country. Both the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) offer online platforms to check and pay fines without visiting a police station.
This guide explains how to check both types of fines online, through the Sahel app, or over the phone. It also covers the higher fine amounts introduced under Kuwait’s 2025 traffic law.
Book cheap flights to KuwaitYou must clear all traffic fines before leaving Kuwait
Kuwait’s automated systems link unpaid traffic violations to your Civil ID, and outstanding fines can block your departure at the airport. Both citizens and expatriates are required to settle all fines before travelling.
Checking your fines a few days before any trip gives you time to pay and avoid problems at exit. The sections below cover every official way to check and pay.
Check traffic fines online using your Civil ID
The MOI’s General Department of Traffic runs an e-service that lets individuals check traffic violations, including speed-camera fines, using their Civil ID or plate number. The service then routes payment through the secure KNET gateway.
Via the MOI website
- Go to the Kuwait Ministry of Interior traffic violation enquiry page.
- Under “Enquiry Type”, select “Individual”.
- Enter your Civil ID or National Number in the designated field.
- Click “Enquire”.
- The page displays all outstanding traffic violations, including fine amounts and violation descriptions.
To pay, select the fines you want to settle and complete the transaction through the KNET gateway using a local Kuwaiti bank card. You will receive a confirmation once payment succeeds.
Allow up to 15 minutes for paid fines to clear from the system, and do not attempt to pay the same fine twice during that window.
Via the Sahel app
The Sahel app is Kuwait’s unified government services app and lets you check and pay traffic fines without a browser. You sign in with your Kuwait Mobile ID.
- Download the Sahel app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and sign in with your Kuwait Mobile ID, then go to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) section.
- Tap “Traffic Violations”.
- All fines linked to your Civil ID or vehicle appear, and you can pay directly through KNET.
Sahel lets you select multiple tickets at once, up to 20 in a single payment. New fines usually appear within 72 hours of the violation.
Kuwait raised traffic fines sharply under the 2025 law
Kuwait’s traffic penalties rose significantly under Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025, which amended the 1976 Traffic Law and took effect on 22 April 2025. Many fines are now several times higher than before, and serious offences can carry detention.
The settlement amounts below reflect the updated framework. Always confirm the exact figure shown against your Civil ID, as amounts can vary with the specific offence.
| Violation | Fine (KD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding up to 20 km/h over limit | 70 | Tiered by speed |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over | 80 | Tiered by speed |
| Speeding 40–50 km/h over | 100 | Tiered by speed |
| Speeding more than 70 km/h over | 150 | Highest speeding tier |
| Running a red light | 150 | Possible detention |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 75 | — |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 30 | — |
| Reckless driving or racing | 150 | Possible detention |
| Driving without a valid licence | 150–300 | Up to 3 months’ detention |
| Driving under the influence | 1,000–5,000 | Plus 1–5 years’ imprisonment |
You can view the full official list on the MOI General Department of Traffic e-services portal. Planning to drive on a trip? Track your inbound flight first with Wego flight tracking for Kuwait (KWI).
Check Civil ID fines through PACI
Civil ID holders may also owe fines tied to their ID card, such as late renewal penalties. These are separate from traffic fines and are managed by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).
Via the PACI website
- Go to the PACI card and payment page.
- Enter your Civil ID number.
- Review the displayed fees, including card fee, envelope fee, fine, and total.
- Select your bank, approve the OTP (one-time password), and wait for the confirmation screen before closing.
Via the PACI helpline
- Dial 1889988.
- Press “2” for English.
- Press “1” to select Civil ID services.
- Enter your Civil ID number followed by an asterisk (*).
- You will receive a text message with a payment link.
You can also check and pay Civil ID fines through the Sahel app under PACI, then Civil ID services, then fees and payment.
Other ways to pay your fines in Kuwait
If you prefer to pay in person, fines can be settled at several locations. The options below are useful if you cannot complete an online payment.
- Police stations: any police station in Kuwait accepts traffic-fine payments.
- PACI service centres: for Civil ID fees and fines.
- Border checkpoints: including Kuwait International Airport, though paying earlier avoids exit delays.
Heading out of the country soon? Compare fares with Wego flights to Kuwait, or find a stay with Wego hotels in Kuwait City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Kuwait with unpaid traffic fines?
No. Outstanding traffic fines are linked to your Civil ID and can block your departure, so clear them before you travel.
How do I check my traffic fines by Civil ID?
Use the MOI e-service. Open the MOI traffic violation enquiry page, select “Individual”, enter your Civil ID, and click “Enquire”. You can also do this in the Sahel app.
Can I still pay fines through the Sahel app?
Yes. Sahel remains Kuwait’s unified government services app and supports checking and paying both traffic and Civil ID fines via KNET. You sign in with your Kuwait Mobile ID.
How much higher are Kuwait’s traffic fines in 2026?
Significantly higher. Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025, effective 22 April 2025, raised many fines several times over. Speeding now ranges from KD 70 to KD 150, and running a red light costs KD 150.
How long do new fines take to appear?
Usually within 72 hours. New violations generally appear in the MOI system and Sahel app within three days of being issued, though it can take longer during holidays.
Related guides
- Kuwait Work Permit Transfer 2026: Rules, Fees, and Step-by-Step Process
- When Will Foreign Airlines Return to Kuwait? Latest Resumption Dates (May 2026)
- Eid Al Adha 2026 Kuwait Private Sector Holiday: Dates, Labour Law and Your Rights
- Find cheap flights to Kuwait on Wego
- Find hotels in Kuwait City on Wego
Sources
- Kuwait Ministry of Interior — Traffic Violation Enquiry
- PACI — Card and Fine Payment
- Arab Times — Kuwait Increases Speeding Fines
- STA Law Firm — Overview of Kuwait’s Decree-Law No. 5 of 2025
- Times Kuwait — Speeding Fines from 70 to 150 Dinars
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