Israel’s government is advancing legislation aimed at significantly increasing punishments for dangerous driving, as road fatalities continue to mount early in the year.

Since January 1, 2026, seven children have been killed in traffic accidents across the country, intensifying pressure on officials to act.

In response, the Ministerial Committee for Legislation has signed off on a broad package of measures that would sharply raise fines and penalty points for a range of serious traffic violations, including mobile phone use behind the wheel, speeding, and failure to yield.

The committee’s approval clears a major procedural hurdle and sets the stage for the proposed changes to move forward in the legislative process, with the new penalties expected to take effect once the process is completed.

At the heart of the proposal is a focus on what ministers have labeled the “seven deadly sins” of Israeli drivers: using a mobile phone while driving, running a red light, excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overtaking another vehicle while crossing a solid dividing line, driving while disqualified, and driving without a valid license. The plan under discussion includes fines reaching as high as NIS 10,000, along with expanded authority for police to administratively seize vehicles on the spot.

According to Channel 12 News, motorists caught using a phone while driving, running a red light, or traveling at extreme speeds would be fined 5,000 shekels and assessed 10 penalty points. A second violation would double the fine to 10,000 shekels, while a third offense would result in vehicle confiscation and a court summons.

Other infractions are also slated for steeper punishment. Drivers who cross a solid dividing line or use the road shoulder would face a 5,000-shekel fine and 10 points. Failing to yield to a pedestrian would carry a 3,000-shekel fine for a first offense and 6,000 shekels for a second, along with mandatory penalty points.

Officials say the proposed crackdown is grounded in accident-risk data that draws a clear connection between these behaviors and deadly crashes. Government figures indicate that excessive speed plays a role in roughly one-third of fatal accidents, failure to yield in 19 percent, and running red lights in another 11 percent.

With the committee’s endorsement secured, the draft amendments are expected to move ahead in the Knesset in the coming weeks. Enforcement agencies are betting that a mix of hefty fines, accumulating penalty points, and the threat of vehicle impoundment will discourage reckless driving and ultimately reduce road accidents and loss of life.

{Matzav.com}