Min. Regev Proposes 10,000 NIS Fine for Phone Use While Driving
Israel’s Transportation Minister Miri Regev unveiled an aggressive new enforcement plan on Monday aimed at curbing the mounting death toll on the nation’s roads, where 422 people have already lost their lives this year.
At the center of the initiative is a dramatic hike in penalties for motorists caught handling a mobile device behind the wheel. Under the proposal, drivers would be slapped with a 10,000-shekel fine, issued on the spot by police officers, with no preliminary legal process required. Regev’s office emphasized that the goal is to send a clear message about the severity of distracted driving.
Officials noted that repeat offenders will face even harsher consequences. If a driver is caught a second time within a short window, authorities would be able to impound the vehicle, pending a judge’s approval.
This represents a substantial jump from the current punishment structure, which imposes a 1,000-shekel fine along with eight points on the driver’s license.
The plan is now headed to the Economic Affairs Committee for deliberations, after which it is expected to be forwarded to the Knesset for a vote. The ministry indicated that the upgraded sanctions will likely extend beyond cellphone violations, targeting additional high-risk behaviors such as crossing a solid white line, ignoring red lights, and operating a vehicle under the influence.
{Matzav.com}
