Destinations / Israel
Driving in Israel as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to one year; an IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Israel expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 100 (police), 101 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h on Highway 6 |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 17. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in ILS. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on inter-urban roads, Nov–Mar. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for new/young drivers. |
| Tolls | Highway 6 uses automatic plate tolling. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Israel
At the pump
Stations offer self-service (lower price) or attendant service; petrol is 95 and 98 octane and diesel ('solar') is also sold, at a government-capped 95-octane price around ILS 7 per litre. Foreign cards sometimes fail at automated pumps, so pay the attendant.
After a crash
Call police on 100 (ambulance 101); a police report is required for injuries or disputed fault. Photograph the scene, exchange details, and do not move vehicles on an injury accident - notify your rental company before leaving.
Sources: tollguru.com · autoeurope.ie · tamir-rental.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Israel?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to one year; an IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences.
Which translation format is used for Israel?
Israel uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Israel ask for a translation?
Recommended; requested for some non-Latin scripts.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Israel?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.