Plans to double Kurdistan Region traffic fines put on ice

SULAYMANIYAH, Jan. 22 – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)’s Interior Ministry announced Tuesday that it has halted the implementation of a measure that would have significantly increased traffic fines. The suspension, attributed to the financial strain on citizens and incomplete technical setups for enforcing the policy, marks a shift in the regional government’s approach to traffic violations.

Currently, fines accumulate and are paid periodically, often when renewing vehicle documents.

However, the KRG’s Interior Ministry announced last year that, following a six-month grace period, fines would need to be paid within a month of issuance. If left unpaid, fines would double after the amnesty was due to end this upcoming February.

Drivers were treated to a ‘discount’ 0n fines accrued before that date to soften the blow of this policy change.

In a statement released today, the Sulaymaniyah Traffic Department outlined the two key directives issued by the Interior Ministry. Late penalties for vehicle ownership transfers incurred until Dec. 31, 2023, have been waived. The changes due to take effect in Feb. have also been shelved.