Israel Updates Traffic Violation Points System with Stricter Penalties and Reduced Points for Some Offenses

Last week, Israel implemented a significant update to its traffic violation points system as part of the ongoing "Traffic Violations Reform." This reform, which began earlier this month, reclassifies certain traffic offenses from "violations" to "traffic infractions," shifting their adjudication to specialized digital courts. The latest update, effective from July 20, adjusts the points assigned to various common traffic offenses, increasing penalties for some dangerous behaviors while reducing points for others.

Key changes include raising points for illegal mobile phone use while driving from 8 to 10 points, failure to yield to pedestrians now uniformly carrying 10 points, and lane deviation offenses increasing from 6 to 10 points. Conversely, points have been reduced or eliminated for offenses such as driving with an expired vehicle license for less than four months, driving with an expired driver’s license up to six months, towing a trailer without a valid inspection for up to four months, and entering an intersection when not clear, which previously carried 6 points but now carry none.

The Ministry of Transport explained these reductions as part of a principle of proportionality and public trust, aiming to balance stricter penalties with leniency on less severe infractions to avoid overwhelming drivers with fines. Another important change is the adjustment in how long points remain on a driver’s record: points for offenses up to 6 points will now expire after one year instead of two, while points for 8 or 10-point offenses remain for two years. However, this change will only take effect about ten months from now and will apply prospectively.

Additionally, if a driver commits multiple offenses in a single incident, only the most severe offense will accrue points, preventing cumulative penalties for the same event. Financial fines remain unchanged despite the points adjustments. These reforms coincide with the new judicial system for traffic infractions, which will be handled digitally in specialized courts, aiming to streamline enforcement and adjudication processes.