Knesset panel approves new traffic points system with lighter penalties for minor violations

The Knesset Economic Committee, chaired by David Bitan, approved the Transportation Ministry’s request on Monday to amend the traffic regulations, aligning them with the administrative traffic violations law that took effect on February 8 this year. Bitan had blocked the regulations about two weeks earlier until the ministry fulfilled its promise to ease the points system for minor offenses. At Monday’s hearing, he asked whether that commitment had been met, and ministry representative Hava Raubani replied, "Not 100%, but close."

Under the approved changes for private drivers, violations carrying up to six points will remain valid for one year from the date of the offense, instead of two years. Violations worth 8 or 10 points will still remain valid for two years. The committee also approved a rule that if a driver is caught in one incident committing several traffic offenses, only the points for the most serious violation will apply. In addition, the points for some offenses, including driving with an invalid license, were reduced, and the points for entering an intersection where turning is impossible were eliminated entirely.

At the same time, the committee approved raising the points from 8 to 10 for running a red light, failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing, using a mobile phone while driving, and driving on the shoulder. Some changes, including the shorter validity period for points, will take effect one year after publication of the regulations. The points updates themselves will enter into force about 30 days after publication in the official gazette. Raubani said the shortened validity period requires special preparations and time to implement.

Professional groups voiced reservations during the debate. Gabi Ben Harush, chair of the HaMovilim VehaMesaimim Council, warned that tightening the points system could worsen the shortage of professional drivers and deepen staffing problems in the trucking and passenger transport sectors. Kfir Dor, representing the Israel Bar Association, said the amendment does not adequately distinguish between professional drivers and private motorists.