The Knesset Finance Committee on Wednesday, 5 Nissan 5772 approved a request to increase the fine for failing to place a child in a protective seat in a vehicle. The amended law addresses newborns until 8-years-old.

The Ministry of Transport is seeking to double the fine, from 250 to 500 NIS for anyone not buckling in any child up to 14-years-old.

The Knesset committee however approved a different version of the bill. The fine will be raised four times, to 1,000 NIS for a child up to the age of three. From age 3-8, the fine is 750 NIS and from 8-14-years-old it will be 500 NIS, the daily HaMevaser reports.

It is reported that 2,000 children from birth to 9-years-old are injured in vehicular accidents annually. Officials add that the use of an approved child safety seats cuts the risk of injuries for these children by 71%.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)