A chareidi driver was issued a 1,000-shekel fine after being stopped for driving in Israel while wearing tefillin, with police claiming he did not have proper control of the steering wheel.

The citation was issued by an officer in the Yerushalayim district, who argued that the driver’s condition while wearing tefillin interfered with his ability to safely operate the vehicle.

Attorney Eilon Oron, author of an encyclopedia on traffic law and former chairman of the National Traffic Committee of the Israel Bar Association, said the situation is more nuanced and criticized the officer’s decision.

“Despite the fact that the wrapping, as seen in the footage, could potentially interfere with the driver — this is an unusual case, and it would have been appropriate to suffice with a warning, exercise discretion, and show a high degree of sensitivity in what is clearly an exceptional situation.”

Oron further explained that the legal basis for the fine is questionable given the circumstances.

“If the driver was wearing tefillin while driving and had put them on before the trip, what is the issue? If he was not holding a siddur but the steering wheel, and was wearing a tallis that did not cover his head and did not obstruct his field of vision, then it does not constitute reckless driving. Therefore, what is the difference between this driver and someone driving in a Purim costume, assuming it does not interfere with visibility, like in this case where the tallis did not cover his head at all?”

He also pointed to broader religious considerations and raised concerns about equal enforcement.

“There are devout individuals who believe that the essence of the mitzvah is to wear tefillin throughout the day, and that is their worldview. If he was not praying at the time and was only driving, how is his attire any different from a sheikh’s robe? Would a sheikh also be fined for wearing religious garments?” Oron asked.

He added that even under stricter interpretations of traffic law, the offense would typically be considered minor.

“Even under a stricter interpretation, the law states that a person who drives carelessly or without due caution commits a relatively minor offense, and at most a warning would suffice.”

Concluding his remarks, Oron said that such citations are generally based on regulations concerning control of a vehicle or failure to hold the steering wheel with both hands, but argued that the justification in this case is weak.

“Police officers who issue fines in such cases usually rely on traffic regulations dealing with lack of control of the vehicle or not holding the steering wheel with both hands. The claim that tefillin — especially the straps on the arm — could restrict the driver’s movement or distract him is weak and not sufficiently reasoned to justify a harsher penalty.”