Driving in Israel: Do You Need an International Driving Permit?
Israel is compact but diverse — from Tel Aviv's beaches to the Dead Sea and Galilee. Driving is the most efficient way to see multiple regions in a short trip.
An IDP is recommended when driving in Israel. Rental companies and local police may require it. Driving without one can result in fines of $100–$300, and your insurance may be void in case of an accident.
Why You Need an IDP for Israel
An International Driving Permit is a certified translation of your driver’s license recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention and 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. When driving in Israel, it serves three critical purposes:
- Legal compliance: Moderate fines for traffic violations (300–1,000 shekels). Most enforcement is automated via speed cameras.
- Rental car access: Israeli rental agencies accept English-script licenses for up to 12 months. An IDP is recommended but not strictly required for most rentals.
- Insurance validity: Most travel insurance policies require valid driving credentials for any vehicle claim. Without an IDP where required, even minor accidents become your full financial responsibility.
Get Your IDP for Israel in 19 Minutes
No DMV visit. No appointments. Digital delivery starting at $49 — valid for 1, 2, or 3 years.
Quick Facts: Driving in Israel
| IDP Requirement | IDP STRONGLY RECOMMENDED |
| Drives On | Right side |
| Legal Driving Age | 17 years |
| Minimum Rental Age | 21 years |
| BAC Limit | 0.05% |
| Urban Speed Limit | 50 km/h |
| Highway Speed Limit | 110 km/h |
| Emergency Number | 100 |
| Currency | ILS |
| Penalty for No IDP | $100–$300 |
Who This Applies To
This guide covers anyone planning to drive in Israel — whether you’re a tourist renting a car, a business traveler, a digital nomad staying long-term, or an expat moving permanently. Rules apply regardless of your home country, although specific penalties may vary for nationals of countries with reciprocal driving agreements.
Popular tourist destinations where IDPs are most actively checked include: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat, Tiberias.
Rental Car Requirements in Israel
Israeli rental agencies accept English-script licenses for up to 12 months. An IDP is recommended but not strictly required for most rentals.
When picking up your rental car, you’ll typically need to present: your home-country driver’s license, your IDP (if required), a valid passport, a credit card in your name, and your booking confirmation. Some agencies may also require proof of onward travel or a printed reservation.
Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) affects traffic — Jerusalem largely shuts down. Plan accordingly. Some rental companies restrict West Bank travel.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid IDP
Moderate fines for traffic violations (300–1,000 shekels). Most enforcement is automated via speed cameras.
More importantly, if you’re involved in an accident without a valid IDP:
- Your rental insurance may be voided entirely
- Your travel insurance typically won’t cover medical bills from the accident
- You may be personally liable for damage to the rental vehicle (potentially $10,000+)
- Hospital bills in Israel for any injury could compound your losses
Road Rules You Should Know
Which Side of the Road Does Israel Drive On?
Israel drives on the right side of the road.
Roundabouts operate under the standard ‘yield to traffic already in the circle’ rule.
Speed Limits
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 90 km/h
- Highways/motorways: 110 km/h
Alcohol Limits
Legal BAC limit in Israel is 0.05%. We strongly recommend not drinking at all if you plan to drive — penalties for exceeding the limit can include heavy fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
Emergency Number
In case of accident or emergency while driving in Israel, call 100.
How to Get Your IDP for Israel
With IDL AUTH, the process is fully online and takes about 4 minutes to complete:
- Fill out the simple online application — personal info, driver’s license details, and a photo of your current license.
- Upload a recent selfie photo that will appear on your IDP.
- Choose your validity (1, 2, or 3 years) and format (digital PDF or physical booklet + digital).
- Pay securely via Stripe (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- Receive your digital IDP via email within 19 minutes.
Ready for Your Trip to Israel?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an IDP required to drive in Israel?
Technically, an idp is recommended for Israel. Rental companies may accept your home-country license, but an IDP is strongly recommended. It protects you at police checkpoints, with rental agencies, and for insurance validity.
Will rental companies in Israel accept my license?
Israeli rental agencies accept English-script licenses for up to 12 months. An IDP is recommended but not strictly required for most rentals. Major international agencies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Sixt, Budget) all operate in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and follow the same rules.
Which side of the road does Israel drive on?
Israel drives on the right side of the road, the same as most of continental Europe and the Americas. Roundabout rules: yield to traffic already in the circle.
What happens if I'm caught driving without an IDP in Israel?
Moderate fines for traffic violations (300–1,000 shekels). Most enforcement is automated via speed cameras. Beyond the fine itself, driving without proper documentation often voids your rental insurance — meaning any accident becomes your personal liability. Hospital bills or vehicle damages can easily exceed $10,000.
How long is an IDP valid?
IDL AUTH permits are valid for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the option you choose. A 1-year IDP is $49, and a 3-year IDP is our best-value option at $65. Your IDP is valid from the day you receive it, not from your travel dates.
How fast can I get my IDP for Israel?
Your digital IDP is emailed within 19 minutes of payment — no DMV visit or appointment required. If you're flying to Israel tomorrow, you can apply tonight and have a valid permit before you board. Physical booklets ship worldwide within 3–10 business days.
What are the speed limits in Israel?
In Israel, speed limits are typically: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways. Always observe posted signs — some roads have lower limits in special zones.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Israel?
The legal BAC limit in Israel is 0.05%. This is stricter than the US federal limit of 0.08%. We recommend not drinking at all if you plan to drive.
Final Thoughts: Driving in Israel
Israel offers some of the world’s best driving experiences — North-to-south route from Galilee to Eilat, Dead Sea coast, and Mediterranean shore. Don’t let a missing document ruin your trip. An IDP is cheap insurance that removes friction with rental agencies, police, and insurance companies.
Ready to apply? Get your International Driving Permit now — digital delivery in 19 minutes, valid for up to 3 years, and backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.