Knesset panel approves tougher point penalties for phone use and other dangerous driving offenses

The Knesset Economic Affairs Committee approved on Monday a package of changes to Israel’s traffic-point system for administrative driving offenses. The update follows a new enforcement framework that took effect in February, under which drivers who commit many traffic offenses are no longer treated as criminal offenders but as administrative traffic violators, to be judged in new digital traffic-violations courts.

Until now, the point system for those offenses had not been aligned with the new law. Committee chair MK David Bitan had pressed for a simultaneous reduction in points for less serious violations, warning that the new courts could become a “factory line” for tickets, while the Transportation Ministry sought higher penalties for offenses it sees as life-threatening. The committee approved the ministry’s revised regulations, which lower points for minor violations and raise them for serious ones. The new point scheme will take effect after publication.

Today, most traffic offenses still carry both a fine and points. Drivers who accumulate 24 to 36 points must attend a defensive driving course, while those with more than 36 points lose their license for three months. In more severe cases, chronic offenders can even be required to retake the driving test.

Under the ministry’s updated approach, five offenses are classified as dangerous to life, illegal mobile-phone use while driving, speeding, failing to yield to pedestrians, running a red light, and drifting off the road shoulder. Illegal phone use while driving will now carry 10 points, up from 8. Failing to yield to pedestrians and driving off the road shoulder will also be assessed at 10 points, compared with 4 to 8 points and 6 points, respectively, before.

The changes also set detailed speeding penalties. In a city, driving up to 20 km/h over the limit still brings only a NIS 250 fine and no points. Going 21 to 30 km/h over means a NIS 750 fine and 8 points, while 31 to 40 km/h over brings a NIS 1,500 fine and 10 points. Higher speeds can lead to license suspension, court proceedings, and 10 points. On intercity roads, the thresholds are up to 25 km/h over for a NIS 250 fine, 26 to 40 km/h over for a NIS 750 fine and 8 points, 41 to 50 km/h over for a NIS 1,500 fine and 10 points, and more than 51 km/h over, which brings 10 points, suspension, and a court hearing that will determine the fine.