Israel Approves Mixed Changes to Driver Penalty Points System

Israel’s Economic Committee this week approved a package of changes to the driver penalty-point system, after months of delay tied to broader traffic-law reform. The overhaul follows a February 2026 law that reclassified less serious traffic offenses as administrative violations rather than criminal ones and added a digital appeals process without requiring a court appearance. The points regime itself had been left outside that reform, prompting committee chairman MK David Bitan to press the Transport Ministry for adjustments.

The ministry initially agreed to easing the system, but later backed off, arguing that it could not grant relief without also tightening penalties for some offenses. As a result, points were not assigned at all for a period of months. The ministry said the final deal was shaped by the rise in road fatalities and by its concern that overly broad leniency would weaken enforcement and signal disregard for traffic safety.

Under the new rules, some offenses became harsher and others lighter. Using a cellphone while driving, running a red light, and failing to yield now carry 10 points instead of 8. Driving against traffic was reduced from 6 points to 4, some offenses were removed from the points system, and driving a vehicle whose registration had expired was lowered in certain cases. Driving without a valid license for more than six months and up to two years dropped from 8 points to 4.

The committee also approved two major procedural changes. For private drivers, offenses worth up to 6 points will expire after one year instead of two, but only for point-loss purposes tied to that category; 8-point and 10-point offenses will still remain active for two years. In addition, if a driver is caught committing several violations in one incident, only the points for the most serious offense will count. Most changes take effect 30 days after publication in the official record, while the shortened expiration period for minor offenses will begin in a year. Drivers with more than 12 points must take a basic defensive-driving course, at 24 points a more advanced course is required, and 36 points can lead to a three-month license suspension, followed by a nine-month suspension and new theory and practical tests if repeated.