Knesset Panel Approves New Traffic Points System, With Harsher Penalties for Serious Offenses

Israel’s Knesset Economic Committee approved sweeping changes to the traffic offense points system on Monday, after the Transport Ministry revised the regulations to match the administrative traffic violations law that took effect on February 8. The new rules are set to begin about 30 days after publication in the official gazette.

Under the reform, points for several minor offenses will expire after one year instead of two, but points for offenses carrying 8 or 10 points will still remain valid for two years. In cases where a driver commits several violations in the same incident, only the points for the most serious offense will be recorded. The committee also approved lowering the penalty for driving with an invalid license, and scrapping points entirely for entering an intersection that cannot be cleared.

At the same time, the panel increased the points for some serious violations from 8 to 10, including ignoring a red light, failing to give right of way at a crosswalk, using a cellphone while driving, and driving on the shoulder. The committee’s chair, David Bitan, had refused two weeks earlier to approve the regulations until the ministry agreed to ease penalties for minor offenses. On Monday he asked whether the ministry had kept its promise, and Transport Ministry representative Chava Reuveni replied, "Not 100%, but close to it."

Professional groups raised objections. Gabi Ben Harosh, head of the HaMovilim VeHaMesiatim council, warned that tightening the points system could worsen the shortage of professional drivers. Kfir Dor of the Israel Bar Association argued the amendment does not sufficiently distinguish between professional drivers and private motorists. Oz Dror of Or Yarok called for the public release of data on the law’s implementation and its impact.