When Are Traffic Points Deleted

Traffic points are automatically deleted after two years (for those who accumulated up to 20 points) or four years (for those who accumulated 22 points or more). The deletion is conditional on no further offenses being committed during this period and on the fulfillment of all corrective measures (such as proper driving courses) required by the Licensing Authority.

Table of Contents:

• What are traffic points and why are they recorded
• When are driving points reset
• Does a proper driving course delete traffic points
• How to check how many traffic points are recorded in your name
• Accumulation of traffic points - possible implications
• Request for deletion of traffic points
• When to consult a traffic lawyer

Traffic laws in Israel stipulate that for severe traffic offenses, a driver will accumulate points alongside additional punishment (financial or otherwise). In a country where road accidents have long become a "national plague," there is a need for deterrence as well as monitoring drivers who repeatedly commit life-threatening offenses. The points system came into effect in Israel back in 1968, but has changed variations over the years. The system used today began in 2003, aiming to deal more severely with traffic offenders, and was updated once again in 2012 while fully implementing corrective measures (courses and suspensions).

What are traffic points and why are they recorded?

Traffic points are designed to track drivers who commit traffic violations. The goal is to monitor repeat offenders and try to deter future violations. A driver convicted of a traffic offense accumulates points, which are added to the punishment imposed on them, such as license suspension or a fine. When a certain amount of points is accumulated, an additional sanction will be imposed on the driver, such as a preventive driving course or license suspension (depending on the number of points). Later in the article, we will specify what number of points obligates drivers to take a preventive driving course.

When are driving points reset?

Points are valid from the date the offense was committed and for a period of two years for anyone who accumulated up to 20 points. For those who accumulated 22 points or more, the points are valid for a longer period – four years. In any case, the points remain valid until the driver takes a driving course or completes the suspension period – depending on the corrective measure imposed on them.

Are traffic points deleted automatically after two years?

Points are not automatically deleted after two years. For them to be deleted after this period, the driver must fulfill the corrective measure imposed on them. In cases where they accumulated 12 to 20 points, they will be obligated to take a basic preventive driving (proper driving) course, and the points will not be deleted until they meet the course conditions – full attendance and passing the exam held at its conclusion.

What happens when you accumulate 22 points or more?

Anyone who accumulates 22 points or more will be obligated to take an advanced preventive driving course. Here too, they must meet the conditions of the course, attend all sessions, and successfully pass an exam. It is worth noting that a driver obligated to take an advanced preventive driving course must first complete a basic preventive driving course.

In the event of accumulating 22 points or more, and given that the driver has not committed another offense and has fulfilled the corrective measures – the points will be deleted within four years from the date the offense was committed. This is up to the upper threshold of 36 points, at which point a course is no longer sufficient, and the license is automatically suspended for 3 months.

When are points not deleted despite time having passed?

Most points given for traffic offenses are deleted if the driver meets the conditions set by law. However, there are traffic offenses whose accumulation period extends to 4 years, and the points will remain valid until the driver performs the required corrective measures. These are severe traffic offenses, namely drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol and driving during suspension. Points accumulated due to these offenses will stop being counted for accumulation after 4 years and the completion of corrective measures, but the conviction itself will not be deleted.

What is the difference between deleting points and deleting the ticket itself?

The difference between deleting points and deleting the ticket itself is fundamental. Points are part of the sanctions given as a result of the ticket; therefore, deleting the points does not cancel the ticket and does not cancel the commission of the offense or the conviction. Conversely, deleting the ticket itself means erasing the commission of the offense and erasing the sanctions associated with it – meaning the conviction is canceled, as is the fine (or any other punishment given) and the points accumulated for that ticket.

Does a proper driving course delete traffic points?

A basic and advanced preventive driving (proper driving) course does not automatically cancel points accumulated by a driver. However, it is a condition for the points to be deleted in due time. That is, anyone who accumulated up to 20 points must complete a basic preventive driving course for the points to be deleted two years from the date the offense was committed (if no further offense was committed). A driver who accumulated 22 points or more must complete both a basic preventive driving course and an advanced preventive driving course. After a period of four years from the date the offense was committed (and provided no further offense was committed), the points will be erased.

How to check how many traffic points are recorded in your name?

There are several simple and easy ways to check how many traffic points are recorded in your name:

• Checking driving points online - Log into the Personal Area on the government website, click on "Driving and Vehicles" in the menu, click on "Driver's License Number," and then choose "Points Printout." You can access the website via computer or mobile phone.
• Checking driving points by ID number - Self-service kiosks located in malls and Super-Pharm branches provide the information after identification using a biometric ID card and typing the personal PIN code. The printout is received immediately.
• *Telephone hotline – 4515 - After identification using an ID number and driver's license number, the details will be sent by mail to the driver's address registered with the Population Authority.
• Licensing offices - You can arrive at the nearest branch with a pre-arranged appointment and receive the information.

Accumulation of traffic points - what are the possible implications?

In recent years, there has been a tightening trend in the state's conduct toward offending drivers, so over time, the sanctions against those who accumulate traffic points are growing. Today, sanctions against those who accumulate points are based on the amount accumulated. The first corrective measures are preventive driving courses, and more severe sanctions are the suspension of the driver's license for a period of 3 months or 9 months. Anyone whose license is suspended for 9 months will need to issue a driver's license anew, meaning passing a theoretical driving test, a practical driving test, and passing the required medical examinations.

How many points lead to a proper driving course?

Anyone who accumulates up to 20 traffic points will be obligated to take a basic proper driving course (also known as a preventive driving course). Anyone who accumulates 22 traffic points or more will be obligated to take an advanced proper driving course.

When can accumulating points lead to license suspension?

Anyone who accumulates 36 traffic points or more will have their driver's license suspended for a period of 3 months. Anyone who accumulates 36 traffic points or more twice within a period of 6 years, or anyone who accumulates 72 traffic points, will have their driver's license suspended for a period of 9 months. To get their driver's license back – they will need to pass theory again, a practical test, and stand in the required medical examinations.

Request for deletion of traffic points

Traffic points are automatically deleted after a certain period, provided the driver did not commit further offenses and met the corrective measures – if imposed on them. Mostly, a request to delete traffic points will be done by filing an appeal against the ticket given to the driver. If the driver believes there is a defect in the ticket, they can submit a request to cancel it within 30 days to the National Drivers Inquiries Center (Mapna). It is also possible to request to be tried in the Traffic Court within 90 days, or request to convert the ticket to a warning only (provided there are no similar offenses from recent years). It is important to remember that paying the ticket constitutes an admission of the offense and leads to the accumulation of points. Therefore, if you are considering appealing, wait with the payment of the fine.

When to consult a traffic lawyer?

Just as in any confrontation with something we do not know or are not proficient in, we turn to professionals, so it is advisable to act in this case as well. If you believe you received a ticket unjustly, if you wish to appeal it and bring about its cancellation, it is highly recommended to consult a traffic lawyer before paying it, as payment constitutes an admission and therefore means accumulating points.

Summary

The information provided in this article is general information only, and does not constitute legal advice, a legal opinion, or a substitute for consulting a lawyer. Laws in Israel may change from time to time, and their application varies according to the specific circumstances of each case. It is recommended to contact a lawyer practicing in the relevant field to receive personal and tailored advice.

Although effort has been invested in presenting accurate and up-to-date information, human errors may have occurred, or changes that were not reflected in the article. The LawReviews.co.il website bears no responsibility for any action taken solely based on the information appearing in the article.