Kuwait fines drivers wearing niqabs up to 50 dinars

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has introduced fines for drivers wearing a niqab or burqa while driving. Fines can range from 30 to 50 Kuwaiti dinars (about Dh357). A lower fee of 15 dinars can be paid to resolve the issue, but there is no jail time for this violation. The new traffic law is aimed at improving road safety. Officials argue that wearing a niqab can block a driver’s vision and attention, which can lead to accidents. There is also a concern that surveillance cameras cannot easily identify drivers wearing a niqab, making law enforcement difficult. Kuwait has had a ban on driving while wearing a niqab or burqa since 1984. The ministry's recent announcement follows discussions on social media about whether this practice is a traffic violation. Despite having policewomen to help verify identities now, the ministry reinforces that the ban is necessary for security reasons.