The Knesset Economic Committee on Tuesday 19 Teves authorized a large fine for drivers who run a red light, approving the NIS 1,500 fine. Also, approved by the committee is a NIS 1,000 fine for a child under the age of 14 operating an electric bicycle.

It appears lawmakers feel that increasing fines will be effective in fighting road deaths and the number of people killed on Israel’s roadways in 2016 increased as compared to the previous year. The statistics also show more deaths and injuries among operators of electric bicycles, which continue to grow in popularity. This was evident earlier in the year, leading to the authorization of fining bike operators who fail to adhere to regulations. Operators of electric bicycles under the law may not speak on their cellular phones, they may not ride on sidewalks, they are compelled to adhere to traffic regulations, and they must wear helmets.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)