Car rental in Israel

About Traffic Rules in Israel

• The local driving population is quite temperamental and impatient. To avoid accidents, you should yield and follow traffic rules.

• All passengers must wear seat belts without exception.

• For children under 8 years old or depending on the child's height, a child seat or booster seat must always be used. The penalty for carrying a child without a child seat is very high.

• The maximum allowed speed in the city is 50-60 km/h, on country roads 90-100 km/h, on highways 100 km/h, and on some sections, 110 km/h is allowed.

• Some rules may differ from those you are used to in your country. Pay attention to traffic signs placed correctly to aid understanding.

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If the Police in Israel Stop You

• The Israeli police do not accept bribes. If you offer a bribe to a police officer, they may arrest you on the spot and impose a hefty fine.
At the same time, the Israeli police are quite lenient toward tourists. If you behave calmly, smile, and are friendly, you are most likely to be let off on the spot. This applies if you caused a minor traffic incident that did not result in personal injury or property damage.

• If you receive a fine from a police officer, you must pay it immediately. An unpaid fine starts to accumulate interest after 3 months. This will be recorded in the computer system, and during your next visit to Israel, the fine will be enforced with interest.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offense in Israel. Please note that the Israeli police often set up checkpoints near entertainment centers, clubs, and restaurants to check every driver.
According to the latest laws, it is completely forbidden to consume alcohol while driving, even beer or light wine.

• If an accident involving a tourist driver leads to a court case (e.g., a fatal accident), you will be required to attend court. Hiding is not an option, as the accident information is immediately entered into the computer database, and you can be stopped at the border, airport, or any national border.

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Parking in Israel

In major cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, finding a parking spot, especially a free one, is very difficult. Parking fees can range between $5 and $20 per day. If you park in a pay-by-hour zone, payment is made with coins at the machine.

Parking rules in Israel depend on the curb color:
- Red and white curb - Parking is prohibited.
- Red and yellow curb - Bus stop; picking up or dropping off passengers is allowed.
- Blue and white curb - Parking is paid (usually a parking meter should be nearby).
To purchase a parking ticket, place it visibly under the windshield. Often, parking conditions in this zone vary by city. In some cities, this zone becomes free after 7:00 PM, but these details must be checked on signs.
- Unpainted curb (gray) - Parking is allowed (if no prohibition sign is present).
- Disabled parking spots in Israel are marked with a blue square featuring a white wheelchair symbol on the asphalt. Violating this rule will result in your vehicle being towed immediately, and you will incur a very high fine.