National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir Opposes Lower Speed Camera Enforcement Thresholds
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposes police lowering speed camera enforcement thresholds, citing concerns and planning to discuss with the police commissioner. The police recently amended traffic laws to issue fines for minor speed violations and reclassify many offenses as administrative. Ben Gvir, with a history of traffic violations, was lightly injured in a recent accident involving his armored vehicle.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben Gvir opposes police lowering speed camera fine thresholds for minor speeding.
- Police amended laws to classify many traffic offenses as administrative violations.
- New rules allow fines for smaller speed excesses, e.g., 75 km/h in 70 km/h zones.
- Ben Gvir has 78 traffic violations over 23 years, including running red lights.
- In April 2024, Ben Gvir was lightly injured in a crash involving his armored vehicle.
- Video showed Ben Gvir and others were not wearing seat belts during the accident.
The Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has voiced opposition to the police traffic department's recent decision to lower the enforcement threshold for speed cameras. This change allows fines to be issued for minor speed violations, a move that has sparked criticism from various quarters. Ben Gvir, who has a history of numerous traffic offenses, stated he intends to discuss the matter with the police commissioner, although his authority to influence the decision remains unclear.
The police implemented a legal amendment that reclassifies many traffic offenses as administrative violations rather than criminal ones, streamlining enforcement and shifting from court trials to written appeals in administrative tribunals. Under the new system, speed cameras will issue fines for smaller speed excesses; for example, on roads with a 70 km/h limit, fines will be given starting at 75 km/h instead of the previous 85 km/h threshold. The police have not disclosed which roads will have stricter enforcement.
Ben Gvir's own driving record includes 78 traffic violations over 23 years, including multiple offenses such as running red lights and using a phone while driving. In April 2024, he was lightly injured in a car accident when his heavily armored vehicle ran a red light and collided with another car. The crash caused the vehicle to overturn, injuring Ben Gvir, his daughter, a bodyguard, and a second driver lightly. Video footage revealed that at least three passengers, including Ben Gvir and his daughter, were not wearing seat belts at the time.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over traffic law enforcement reforms in Israel and raises questions about the balance between road safety and administrative efficiency.
