Kurdistan Region extends 20% traffic fine reduction for six more months

ERBIL – The Kurdistan Regional Government has extended a 20% reduction on traffic fines for another six months, the Erbil Traffic Directorate said Wednesday.

Hemen Amin, spokesperson for the Erbil Traffic Directorate, told 964media that the decision, first issued by the Council of Ministers on Aug. 28, 2023, “has been very beneficial for citizens.” He said, “This reduction will continue because it has taken into account the living conditions of the people, so it has been extended for another six months.

Under the extension, 20% of traffic fines will continue to be waived for drivers across the Kurdistan Region, allowing them to pay only 80% of the total penalty. The Interior Ministry said the purpose of fines is to deter unsafe behavior, not to punish citizens, and noted that many drivers have accumulated unpaid penalties by postponing payment during license renewals or vehicle sales.