Know the New Rules for Vehicle and Motorbike Rentals in Kuwait

Kuwait has introduced a new ministerial decision that tightens regulations for car and motorcycle rental companies, enhancing oversight and security in the sector. The move, spearheaded by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, aims to bolster road safety and security measures.

Ministerial Resolution No. 894 of 2026 amends previous rules, mandating that rental agreements be bilingual, in both Arabic and English. These contracts must clearly define the rights and obligations of both the renter and the company. Both parties are required to keep a copy of the agreement, which must be presented to authorities upon request. Rental firms must also maintain detailed records of renters and drivers, including personal information, driving license details, and rental duration, with similar requirements for legal entities.

Security is further enhanced by a new rule requiring rental vehicles with drivers to be equipped with internal cameras. Companies must store this data and provide it to authorities when asked. The resolution also sets new age limits for rental vehicles: motorcycles must be no more than three years old when first licensed for rental and can operate for a maximum of six years. Private cars and light transport vehicles must be under three years old initially and can be rented for up to eight years, while medium transport vehicles, trucks, and buses must be under five years old and can operate for up to 15 years.

Comprehensive insurance is now mandatory for all rental vehicles, requiring annual renewal and prohibiting cancellation during the licensing period. Vehicle ownership documents must explicitly state their designation for rental use. Existing companies have a three-month grace period to adapt to these new regulations, which will take effect upon publication in Kuwait's Official Gazette.