Welcome To Israel
Driving In Israel with a Foreign Driver’s License:
New immigrants, tourists, temporary residents, returning citizens (who have resided overseas continuously for at least one year) may drive in Israel using their valid foreign driver’s license, for the period of one year from their date of entry into Israel.
The category of vehicle driven must match the category stated on the valid driver’s license and the age requirement must comply with the Israeli requirements for that category.
Regarding multiple entries and exits to and from Israel, each case will be considered separately. If any questions arise regarding the process, please contact the Traffic Safety Official.
Converting a Foreign Driver’s License:
When requesting an Israeli driver’s license, the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety (MOT) checks the request. If the foreign driver’s license has been granted more than 5 years ago, the process is simple and an Israeli driver’s license will be granted.
If the request is for a driver with less than 5 years of driving experience, the MOT will request a driving test. Only then will the driver be granted an Israeli driver’s license.
There are a few steps needed to have the foreign driver’s license converted to an Israeli one:
- Translation of documents (visa, license etc.) by a lawyer.
- Arriving at MOT and starting the process of conversion or driving test (depending on how old the foreign driver’s license is).
- Eye exam and other procedures.
- Traffic Safety Official escorts through this process.
Driving In Israel:
- When renting a vehicle, it must be checked that there is a vehicle license and an insurance form in force. It is located in the vehicle’s glove compartment.
- The laws of the state and the road signs must be obeyed.
- A yellow lane is designated for buses and taxis and driving is prohibited on this route.
- On interurban roads, it is permitted to travel up to 90 km/h.
- On a city road, it is permitted to travel up to 50 km/h.
- On highways, drivers are allowed up to 100 km/h.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
- All drivers and passengers must buckle up for every ride.
- The number of passengers in a vehicle is limited to the number of seats in the vehicle.
- Should a police car stop you, obey commands.
- Littering is prohibited and fines are handed or sent by mail.
- Parking is allowed only in prohibited areas; do not park on sidewalks, bus stations or in a handicap zone.
- Using a cellphone for texting or any other function is against the law and is very dangerous. Avoid any use that is not via handstand.
Vehicle Insurance:
- Company leased vehicles have insurance as part of the arrangement for drivers appointed by the company.
- Rental vehicles have insurance for the driver that made the arrangement with the rental company (more drivers can be added).
Toll Roads:
- Kvish6
- Cross North
- Fast Lane
- Carmel Tunnels
The payment for these roads can be paid through the rental company, including handling fees, or paying directly without handling fees.
You can contact the company’s Traffic Safety Officer and he will be happy to assist.
During An Accident:
- Contact the rental company directly. The phone number can be located on the windshield inside the vehicle.
- Please take all the details of the second vehicle such as:
- Vehicle number
- Name and last name
- ID number
- Name of insurance company
- Policy number
- Third Party telephone number
- All the details must be submitted to the rental company.
- Do not sign any document that a third party requests.
Vehicle Care:
- On the left side of the vehicle window is a sticker that says when the vehicle needs to be treated.
- Once the need for treatment has arrived, contact the rental company or the company’s Traffic Safety Officer to coordinate the date of taking the vehicle for treatment.
Important Contacts
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 101
- Fire Fighter: 102
- Traffic Safety Official
Please drive carefully and have a good and safe trip!
Lupu – Traffic Safety Official