More points for phone, fewer for other offenses: Traffic regulations updated

Last week, an important change occurred regarding the calculation of points for various traffic offenses. This update is part of a broader shift in Israel's traffic adjudication policy.

Earlier this month, the "Traffic Infractions Reform" came into effect, reclassifying certain offenses as "traffic infractions" to be handled in designated digital courts. As of the 20th, a new update to traffic regulations has been implemented, adjusting the point values for common driving behaviors.

Key Changes in the Point System

The most significant change is the increase in points for life-threatening offenses:

• Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving: 10 points (previously 8).

• Failure to yield to pedestrians: 10 points (previously 4 to 8).

• Driving on the shoulder to bypass traffic: 10 points (previously 6).

Conversely, the Ministry of Transport has reduced points for other offenses based on the "principle of proportionality and public trust":

• Vehicle license expired for less than 4 months: 0 points (previously 6).

• Driver's license invalid for up to six months: 0 points (previously 8).

• Trailer without a valid test for up to 4 months: 0 points (previously 6).

• Entering an intersection when it is not clear: 0 points (previously 6).

Additional Information

As of last week, if a driver commits multiple offenses in a single incident, they will only receive points for the most serious one.

Regarding the point accumulation mechanism, the amendment stating that points for offenses of up to 6 points will expire after one year instead of two will only come into effect in 10 months, next summer. This change will not apply retroactively.

It is important to note that financial fines remain unchanged. The reform specifically targets the point system and the transition to digital adjudication.