Driving In Israel: Tips & Information To Keep Safe On Roads When Making Aliyah
What you need to know about driving in Israel
Israel is a small but diverse country that offers a unique driving experience! Whether you are a local Israeli, a tourist or just made aliyah, driving in Israel can be challenging at times due to the narrow roads, heavy traffic, and different driving customs. In this blog, we will provide you with some tips on how to drive safely and more comfortably in Israel.
Driving rules in Israel: familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws. Please see below
Before "hitting" the road in Israel, make sure you are familiar with the local traffic laws. In Israel, driving is on the right-hand side of the road (most of the time!) and the legal driving age is just under 17. Some of the obvious but essential traffic laws: to be aware of include using seat belts, not using mobile phones while driving, and obeying speed limits.
Basic rules for driving in Israel include
· Driving in Israel is on the right.
· With traffic roundabouts. You generally have to give way to those already on the roundabout. These vehicles should be on your left when approaching
· U-turns are commonly allowed unless there is a sign to the contrary. (There is sometimes are weight restriction of 4 tons)
· Traffic lights flash red or yellow in between red and green. Beware when breaking on yellow, the car behind is probably accelerating!
· Turning at traffic lights usually have dedicated turn lights.
Who can drive in Israel?
If you have a non expired foreign license you can drive up to a year before converting to a native license. Applicable to those making aliyah or have a visa for more than a year.
You can drive from 16y 9m in Israel. In order to drive a rented car, you have to be between 21 and 75 years old. Insurance premiums can be excessive if you are under 25. Sorry!
Speed Limits for driving in Israel
Speed can be seen on signs along the roads or on your GPS. .Generally you will receive a ticket if you exceed the speed limit by 10% As a guideline speed limits are as follows:
Inner city routes: 50 kilometers per hour
Intercity routes: 80-90 kilometers per hour
Main Highways: 100-110 kilometers per hour
Highway 6 (Toll Road): 120 kilometers per hour
A word about safety when driving in Israel
Use these points as a checklist whether you are a tourist or just making aliyah.
All documents relevant to the driver and car should be readily accessible
All passengers must wear seat belts in the front and back.
A car must have an emergency reflective triangle in case of breakdown or accident
A yellow reflective vest must be kept in the car at all times and worn when exiting the vehicle on a highway shoulder as well as a reflective warning triangle in the event of breakdown. Check this in your hire car
During the winter months between November until March end, the main lights must be used on highways
Babies and young children up to the age of 7 must sit in age-appropriate seats in the back of the car
Drink Driving don’t do it. Very low limit. Breath and urine tests can be administered
The limit is 24mg or alcohol per 100ml of blood, Drivers under 24 years old have a lower limit of 5 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Police cars may stop you for a breath test, or even a urine or blood test. This often happens late at night when people are partying.
Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving in Israel
Without a hands-free system is strictly forbidden, at anytime. Get a hands free device. Do not text. A split second of inattention can kill.
One way streets
In theory should be vehicles travelling in the same direction. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Bicycles, scooters, motor bikes and you name it travel the wrong way regularly. This is defacto accepted. You have been warned to expect the unexpected.
Indicating when turning
A rarity. Annoying. 9/10 don't. Keep a safer distance. Expect the unexpected
Pedestrian Crossings
Often located in stupid positions: on a bend, not well visible. Be aware.
Pedestrians
Can be annoying. Stepping out in front of vehicles in urban areas. Be aware.
Emergency numbers
Dial 100 for the Police, 101 for Ambulance and 102 for the Fire Department.
Dial '106' for the Municipality. Maybe to get directions on where to find your car if it were to be towed away for illegal parking!!
Use a GPS when driving in Israel
Israel is a small country, but its roads can be confusing, especially for first-time visitors. To avoid getting lost, it is recommended to use a navigation aid . Google Maps is an ok tool for navigating in Israel, but keep in mind that it may not always be accurate.
Top tip: Israelis tend to use Waze for navigation. Advantage of speed traps and police locations I guess
Watch out for other drivers
Israeli drivers can be aggressive, and can ignore traffic rules. Be prepared for sudden lane changes, honking, and other unexpected manoeuvers. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially on the highways. Maintain your cool and do not take it personally!
Top tip: Avoid switching lanes unless you have to and look to prepare for your exit well in advance
Be aware of the "yellow light" culture
In Israel, it is common to speed up when the traffic light turns yellow, instead of slowing down. This means that you should be extra careful when approaching a yellow light, as the car in front of you may speed up instead of stopping. Expect the unexpected at all times!
Minimize driving during peak times
Like any other country, rush hour traffic in Israel can be challenging. So consider peak hours, which are typically from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 15:30 to 19:00 but earlier on Thursdays.
Top tip: best time to travel is often Friday afternoon and Saturdays. Plan ahead with Waze before you travel. The Summer can see some significant jams with people returning from a weekend
Be aware of bikers, especially in the cities. Many kids use electric bikes in Israel.
Travelling on the other side of the Green Line needs to be checked beforehand. Most car rental companies will not allow you to take your car to Judea & Samaria AKA the west bank.
Driving in the desert? maybe to Eilat or Dead Sea in the Winter then check for warnings for flash floods. They can be very sudden.
Foreign credit cards may not work automatically at some fuel stations. You may need support from an employee
Really top tip: Many fuel pumps request your ID number for a foreign credit card. You can usually enter any 9 digit number. In our experience this is not checked with a foreign card!
Police cars have their roof lights flashing when on duty. If they want you to stop, they will often use a megaphone type speaker.
Israeli Drivers
Israeli drivers. Hmmmm! Expect the unexpected.
Most drivers in Israel are impatient particularly in the centre of Israel. They will beep their horns often particularly if they are think you driving to cautiously. You will need to be assertive at times.
What about Parking in Israel
On street parking is allowed free of charge check there are no parking signs or markings. White curb is usually good. Grey is often designated for loading.
Red and white or red and yellow painted markings mean parking is never allowed. Exception being for disabled cars on red and white if you are not blocking traffic.
Blue and white marking indicates this is parking with payment during most hours. Ask, because this can vary.
How do you pay for parking? The best way to pay in Israel is using one of the two most popular mobile phone applications. Pango seems to the most popular.
Car parks in Israel's big cities are the easiest alternative if you are not sure where you can park, although they are not that cheap.
Toll Roads
Israel has 3 toll paying roads:
Highway 6 - a convenient north to south road for alot of the length of Israel There are no toll booths on Road 6. Cars are identified electronically via the license plate or an in car device. Note that charges for a rented car will be billed directly to car rental company, who will add an admin fee
The 'Fast Lane' is a toll lane on Highway 1 from the Ben Gurion Airport area to Tel Aviv. Cars are identified electronically via the license plate or a device in the car. So be aware that bills for a rented car will be sent to the car rental company. You will be charged an additional admin fee.
The Carmel Tunnels north of Haifa require you to pay at toll booths on entry. You will see pictures of the "tunnels"
In summary driving in Israel can be a rewarding experience if you are well-prepared and cautious. By following these tips, you can enjoy yourself without much hassle. Bon voyage!