Kuwait City: Kuwait has introduced a new smart home vehicle impound system, allowing certain vehicles involved in traffic violations to remain at their owners’ homes instead of being transferred to police impound yards.
The new system came into effect following the publication of Ministerial Decision No. 1090 of 2026 in the official gazette, Kuwait Al Youm.
Under the new rules, the General Traffic Department may approve home impoundment upon a vehicle owner’s request in traffic violation cases covered under Article 207 of Ministerial Decision No. 81 of 1976.
How the Smart Home Impound Works
Instead of taking the vehicle to an impound yard, authorities will install a smart monitoring device on the vehicle at the owner’s residence. The technology will allow the authorities to monitor the vehicle during the entire impoundment period and ensure it is not used in violation of the restrictions.
Approval for home impoundment is not automatic and remains subject to the General Traffic Department’s authorisation.
Vehicle owners choosing the service will have to pay a KD10 installation fee. The amount will be collected when an authorised official visits the residence to install the monitoring device.
In addition, a daily service fee of KD2 will apply throughout the smart home impoundment period.
Tampering With Device Strictly Prohibited
The Ministry of Interior warned vehicle owners against tampering with, removing or damaging the smart monitoring device.
If the equipment is damaged, the vehicle owner will be required to bear the full cost of the device.
Owners must also strictly follow all conditions imposed by the traffic authorities throughout the impoundment period.
Once the impoundment period ends, the monitoring equipment must be returned to the relevant authorities. Any malfunction or damage to the device must also be reported immediately.
Legal Action for Violations
The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who violates the conditions governing smart home vehicle impoundment could face legal action under Article 34 of Decree-Law No. 67 of 1976.
The new system took effect from the date the decision was published in Kuwait’s official gazette.
