JERUSALEM (VINnews) — An Israeli driver was fined 1,000 shekels after being cited for allegedly driving while wearing tefillin, an incident that occurred on Sunday, according to local reports.

Police said the driver was fined for allegedly failing to maintain full control of the vehicle, arguing that the religious items may have interfered with safe driving.

The case has drawn criticism from legal experts who question the legal basis for the citation.

Attorney Eilon Oron, a traffic law specialist, said that if the tefillin were already properly worn and did not obstruct visibility or movement, the fine appears difficult to justify under reckless or careless driving standards.

He also raised comparisons to other cases involving costumes or religious attire, arguing that enforcement typically depends on whether driving control is actually impaired.

Traffic regulations in such cases generally require drivers to maintain full control of the vehicle at all times.

The incident has sparked discussion online, with some users expressing support for the driver and offering to help cover the fine. Police have not commented further on the case.