NZ licence 
KuwaitCan you drive in Kuwait with an NZ license?
Short answer: to drive in Kuwait with an NZ license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your NZ license.
Yes — to drive in Kuwait on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Kuwait expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.
What driving in Kuwait is like
The coastal Gulf Road sweeping along Kuwait City's waterfront past Kuwait Towers is the most popular scenic drive. For most visitors the real draw is the freedom to reach places trains and tours don't, on your own schedule, with the open road generally capped around 120 km/h motorways. Getting behind the wheel is the easy part: your International Driving Permit is a certified translation of your NZ licence, carried alongside it, so rental staff and officials in Kuwait can read your credentials at a glance.
What applies to NZ licence holders in Kuwait
| NZ licence in Kuwait | |
|---|---|
| Do you need an IDP? | Yes — carry one alongside your licence |
| IDP format required | 1968 Vienna |
| Your NZ licence script | Roman (Latin) alphabet |
| New Zealand is party to | 1949 Geneva |
| Drives on the | Right-hand side |
| Minimum driving age | 18 |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h motorways |
| Currency | KWD |
Driving rules in Kuwait you should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero alcohol — it is prohibited.
- Extensive speed cameras.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
Local driving facts in Kuwait
Emergency number: 112 (112 also connects from most mobiles). Typical maximum for cars on the fastest road class: 120 km/h motorways. Posted limits always take precedence.
Tolls & road charges in Kuwait
Kuwait has no toll roads or vignette system; the expressway network is free to use.
Parking in Kuwait
Parking is free in many areas but prohibited where the kerb is painted black-and-yellow; illegal parking near malls and Kuwait City business districts is ticketed and cars may be towed, so use marked bays and mall garages.
Penalties & enforcement in Kuwait
Under the 2025 traffic law penalties are steep: running a red light rose to around KD 150 (with possible jail), reckless driving KD 150 plus impoundment, and fines range roughly KD 10-500; speed and red-light cameras are extensive and rental firms bill camera fines back to the renter.
If you have an accident in Kuwait
Notify police immediately on 112, do not leave the scene, and wait for officers; a police report is mandatory for insurance and the rental company, and being involved in a crash (even if not at fault) can lead to temporary detention.
City driving in Kuwait
Kuwait City's ring-road system (First through Sixth Ring Roads) carries fast, aggressive traffic with frequent tailgating and sudden lane changes; the Gulf Road and city-centre junctions are notorious congestion and speed-camera spots.
Winter driving in Kuwait
No winter-tyre rules - desert climate; no snow or chain requirements.
Fuel in Kuwait
Fuel is heavily subsidised and attendant-served, priced in fils per litre - roughly 85 fils for petrol 91, 105 fils for 95 and about 115 fils for diesel; cards and cash are both accepted at stations.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com, gulfnews.com, kuwaitexpat.com, kuwaithow.com