Driving Tips in Israel

Car Hire Depot information in Israel

DriveAway Holidays offers the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in Israel. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Israel.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Israel

• Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – 70 kms (1hr)
• Tel Aviv to Bethlehem – 75 kms (1hr)
• Jerusalem to Bethlehem – 8 kms (20mins)
• Jerusalem to Ein Gedi – 80 kms (1hr/ 15min)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 2 years. An International licence is recommended for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Israel;

• Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass cars on the left hand side of the road.
• Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers and driver.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving, with the exception of a hands free unit.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Child Safety Seats

Child seats are mandatory to children up to the age of 5 years old.

Speed Limits

Below the speed limits in Israel, unless signed otherwise;

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 80-100km/h
• Motorways: 110km/h

Speed cameras and radar traps are in operation, heavy fines apply if caught speeding.

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Israel is 0.05mg/100ml.

Tolls

Highway 6 is the only toll road known in Israel. It's featured as a fully electronic toll highway where payments are deducted electronically from a transponder inside the vehicle. Vehicles without a transponder an automatic licence plate recognition system is used to collect details about the owner of the vehicle, toll fees will then be invoiced to the registered vehicle owner. Rental cars - suppliers will invoice/charge hirer for tolling charges.

Road Signs

Road signs in Israel are very similar to those used throughout Europe, although some can be found with unique differences such as colour, shapes, typeface or arrows. Most signs are commonly written in the countries local languages Arabic, Hebrew or Roman alphabets, however English is also used on most major road signs. The good thing is that the majority signs in Israel use symbols making it easier to understand and read. Warning Signs are mainly triangular in shape with a red border, white background and a black symbol/text in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs are usually a circular shape however other shapes such as a octagon and a square are used. You'll find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs provide motorists with information which are found in either a blue or green background with white text.

Parking

In most cities of Israel parking meters are used. A parking ticket will need to be purchased from the machine if the side walk edge is painted with a blue and white stripes Parking is not permitted where the side walk edge is painted in red and white/yellow stripes.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australian's visiting Israel;

• For Australian passport holders for stays up to 3 months, visa issued on arrival. Contact the Embassy of Israel for additional information regarding visa's.
• A valid passport is required with at-least 6 months validity.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 8 June 2010