A routine drive can now take an unexpected turn for vehicle and motorcycle owners flagged for loud exhausts. Instead of heading straight to a workshop, repairs will first need official clearance. In Kuwait, vehicle and motorcycle owners are now required to obtain official approval before carrying out exhaust system repairs, under a new mechanism introduced by the General Traffic Department. The move is part of broader efforts to improve traffic services, streamline procedures, and enforce stricter compliance with approved technical standards. Under the new system, repair permits will be issued by the Technical Inspection Departments to vehicles and motorcycles found to be emitting excessive noise or operating in violation of approved technical specifications. Once a violation is detected, owners will receive an official exhaust repair form, which allows them to proceed with repairs only at authorised workshops and dealerships. The mechanism is intended to speed up the repair process while maintaining regulatory oversight. After completing the required repairs, vehicle and motorcycle owners must return to the Technical Inspection Department for a follow-up inspection. This step is mandatory to confirm that the exhaust system has been corrected and now fully complies with technical requirements. Authorities said the new approach is expected to improve service quality, boost operational efficiency, and help reduce noise pollution on Kuwait’s roads, while ensuring that modified or repaired exhaust systems meet approved standards before vehicles are allowed back into regular use.
