Driving in Israel can be quite exciting and action-packed. Traffic is typically fast-paced and loud. In Israel, you can expect to encounter frequent checkpoints, newly built highways, busy urban roads, and occasional bumpy stretches. While recent improvements to highways and expressways have enhanced connectivity, the local driving style and rules may take some time to get accustomed to.
Road signs are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English—they make it easier for visitors to find their way. Knowing the driving rules in Israel is essential for anyone who wants to explore the country safely in a car.
Driving Requirements in Israel
You must meet some essential driving requirements before hitting the road in Israel.
Driver’s License:
- A valid driver's license from your home country is required.
- An international driver’s license is not necessary.
Insurance:
- Liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers.
- Some credit cards include collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. If yours does, have your credit card company confirm this in writing before your trip. Certain credit cards do not cover CDW in Israel, so always read the fine print.
Additional Requirements:
- You must have a yellow reflective vest in your car. You must wear it if you need to exit your vehicle on a roadside.
Rules of the Road
Israel has some unique local driving rules that are important to know:
- Right Turn on Red: Prohibited unless a sign or signal specifically allows.
- Speed Regulations: Speed limits differ by area: 50 kph in cities, 80 kph on rural roads, 100 kph on Highway 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and 120 kph on Highway 6.
- Child Seating Safety Rules: Rules vary based on the child’s age:
- Rear-facing seats are a requirement for infants under the age of 1
- Forward-facing seats for children aged between 1 and 3
- Booster seats for children between the ages of 3 and 8
- Seatbelt Usage: Compulsory for all passengers.
- Mobile Phone Use: Only hands-free devices are permitted while driving.
- Alcohol Limits: Strict regulations are in place. The limit is 10 mg per 100 ml of blood for drivers under 24 or those operating heavy vehicles. For others, it is 50 mg.
- Headlight Usage: Use day and night on intercity highways from November 1 to March 31
- Traffic Light Systems: Be mindful of traffic lights that flash green before turning yellow, as well as red and yellow lights displayed together, indicating that green is about to appear.
- HOV Lanes: Introduced on the Ayalon Highway and Route 2 around Tel Aviv, these lanes are still rare in Israel.
- Toll Roads:
- Highway 6: Operates with an electronic system that bills via the vehicle’s license plate number. The car rental company will charge you post-trip.
- Carmel Tunnels: The four Carmel tunnels have manual toll booths in two lanes—one on the left and one on the extreme right—where you can pay in cash.
- High-Speed Toll Lane on Highway 1: This lane connects Ben Gurion International Airport with Tel Aviv and allows for electronic or cash payment at toll booths. The toll varies depending on traffic conditions and is free for vehicles with at least four occupants. However, you must still stop at a toll booth for verification to avoid electronic charges.
- Emergency Contacts: Dial 100 for police, 101 for ambulance, and 102 for fire emergencies. The international emergency number 112 is also operational in Israel.
Parking in Israel
Finding spots to park in Tel Aviv in the north and Jerusalem in the south can be tricky. Here are key guidelines to help you tackle the parking rules:
- Signage: Look for blue and white markings for paid parking areas and red and white for no parking zones.
- Restrictions: Avoid parking within 2 meters of fire hydrants and 12 meters before pedestrian crossings or stop lines.
- Payment Apps: Use apps like Pango or Cellopark to make convenient metered parking payments and avoid fines.
- Parking Facilities: Paid parking lots or garages are expensive but useful in busy areas.
Should You Rent a Car in Israel?
Deciding whether or not to rent a car in Israel hinges on your itinerary and preference for convenience. Public transport effectively connects major cities and tourist spots, but a car allows you to explore remote areas like the Negev Desert or the Golan Heights at your own pace.
Key Considerations Before Renting a Car:
- Public Transport vs. Car Rental: Cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are well connected by buses and trains. Public transport suffices for visits to the Dead Sea, Masada, or the Sea of Galilee. However, renting a car is advisable for more flexible and extensive travel, especially to less accessible regions.
- Insurance and Restrictions: Rental agreements typically exclude insurance coverage for areas under Palestinian Authority control, such as the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Always verify geographical restrictions.
- Security Features: Familiarise yourself with any security features of the rental car, such as security code starts, which are crucial for operation.
- Cost Efficiency: Evaluate the costs of rentals against potential expenses on public transport, fuel, and parking, especially when travelling in groups or covering multiple destinations.
Alternative Transport Options: Consider using taxis or bikes on bike-friendly routes in cities like Tel Aviv.