Speed limit
Inside cities: 50 km p/h
Interurban roads: 80 km p/h
Freeways: 110 km p/h
Headlights during winter time
On interurban roads, all vehicles from all classes must have its headlights turned on between November 1st and March 31st the following year.
Confiscation of vehicles
A police officer is allowed to confiscate a vehicle in which the driver committed a severe traffic violation for a period of up to 60 days. Such offenses include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, transporting a large amount of passengers or not having a valid license. For more information on the law enter the Ministry of Public Security website.
Seatbelts
Every car, every passenger, every road. Everyone in the vehicle must be wearing a seatbelt. It’s for your own safety.
Light-reflecting vest
Every vehicle must have a light-reflecting vest in the car. Upon exiting a vehicle on the side of an interurban road, the driver must wear the vest in order to be seen by passing cars, unless standing on a sidewalk. In a case in which more than one person exits the car, at least one person must be wearing the vest.
Alcohol test
A policeman is permitted to require a driver to take an alcohol test using a breathalyzer or a blood/urine sample in order to check the alcohol level in his or her blood while driving, even if not suspected of any traffic violation. Refusing such a test will be regarded as if the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Number of passengers permitted in vehicle
Level 02 Israeli driving license permits to transport up to 8 passengers.
Level 03 Israeli driving license permits to transport up to 11 passengers.
Tourists driving in Israel are allowed to transport the number of passengers permitted by their driving license, yet in any case may not exceed 11 passengers.
Quick Summary of unique traffic laws in Israel
In order to make your driving experience in Israel as smooth and simple as possible, Eldan suggests reading through the following summary of traffic laws in Israel
- A yellow line on the road marks the side margin.
- When a traffic light is out of order and the amber light is blinking, the driver is obliged to obey the road signs posted at the junction (such as STOP or YEILD RIGHT OF WAY).
- When a traffic light in a junction is blinking amber, the crossing road also has a blinking amber.
- It is strictly forbidden, under any circumstances, to enter a junction when the traffic light is red.
- It is strictly forbidden to cross a white center line, under any circumstances (including turning left into a parking lot).
- A road sign indicating a traffic circle obliges the driver to give the right of way to any vehicle already in the circle.
- NO STOPPING sign is marked by two parallel lines.
- STOP sign is a red octagonal sign displaying a hand facing the driver. (the word “STOP” or “HALT” is not written on the sign)
- Prior to turning red, the green light on the traffic light blinks three times (one blink per-second) and then turns amber for another 3 seconds. Only then does it turn red.
- Pedestrian crossing lights display only green or red. Green permits crossing the road cautiously, only on the pedestrian crossing, red symbols no crossing.
- It is forbidden to cross a continuous solid white line on the road. Driving is permitted only on the right side of such a line. (A solid white line is a separation line between two way traffic)
- Police vehicles and ambulances always travel with flashing blue and red lights on top of the vehicle. Only if their siren is sounding do drivers have to merge to the right, making way for the emergency vehicles.
- On interurban roads, all vehicles must have its headlights turned on between November 1st and March 31st the following year. (making it easier to be seen in the winter)
- It is prohibited to use a cellular phone while driving unless it is attached to a microphone installed in the vehicle.
- Double yellow lines forming a separate lane are exclusive lanes for public transportation such as buses and taxies. In some cases, a fully occupied vehicle can use the lane as well.
- Red and white markings on curb stones indicate “No Stopping”.
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