Israel Updates Driving Licenses to Reflect Heavier Electric Vehicles

The Israeli Ministry of Transportation is preparing to update driving license categories to accommodate the increased weight of electric vehicles, which often weigh significantly more than comparable gasoline cars due to heavy batteries. According to official documents, these changes respond to the physical differences in vehicles, especially the rise in total weight caused by batteries and other systems.

Currently, a standard B license permits driving passenger cars up to 3.5 tons. Under the new rules, holders of a B license will be allowed to drive electric vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tons. While most electric cars on the Israeli market weigh less than this threshold, such as the Expeng 7P at around 2-2.1 tons and the BMW iX at 2.7 tons, the main beneficiaries will be importers of heavier electric vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 4.2 tons. This includes models like the electric Hummer and General Motors’ electric pickup trucks (GMC Sierra and similar), which previously required a C license due to their weight range of 3.7 to 4.2 tons. The change will expand the potential customer base for these vehicles by allowing them to be driven with a regular B license.

Additionally, the Ministry plans to amend the C1 license regulations. The C1 license currently allows driving light trucks and commercial vehicles weighing 3.5 to 12 tons but does not permit driving vehicles with more than eight passenger seats. The proposed technical amendment would enable C1 license holders to drive commercial vehicles with over eight seats. Both changes require approval from the Knesset’s Economic Affairs Committee before implementation.

These updates reflect the evolving automotive landscape in Israel as electric vehicles become more prevalent and heavier, prompting regulatory adjustments to driver licensing standards.