מדינת ישראל משרד העלייה והקליטה. Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption. Eighth Edition

Transcription

1 מדינת ישראל משרד העלייה והקליטה Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Eighth Edition

2 Table of Contents Introduction The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety 3 משרד התחבורה והבטיחות בדרכים Obtaining a Driving License 3 רישיון נהיגה Vehicle Registration 9 רישום כלי רכב Persons with Disabilities 12 אנשים עם מוגבלויות Traffic Violations 14 עברות תנועה Road Safety 18 בטיחות בדרכים Import of Vehicles 19 ייבוא רכב Purchasing a Used Car 21 קניית רכב משומש Public Transportation 22 תחבורה ציבורית Air Travel 28 תעופה אזרחית Public Complaints 30 תלונות הציבור Useful Addresses 31 כתובות וטלפונים A Guide to Transportation in Israel Eighth Edition Laura L. Woolf: Chief Editor, English Language Publications Ida Ben -Shetreet: Director, Publications Department Special thanks to Ora Saloman, International Affairs and Media Relations, the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, for her assistance in updating this booklet. Jerusalem, 2015 Cover photo: Tony Babot Catalogue Number Telephone Information Center (03) info@moia.gov.il הודפס על ידי המדפיס הממשלתי 2

3 Introduction The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety provides services to the public including driving licenses, automobile registration, public transportation, and training and certification of automotive and transport professionals. In recent years, the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety has computerized a number of basic services in order to make necessary procedures more efficient. This booklet gives a general outline of the services and regulations of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, as well as the rights of users of public transportation services. National Computerized Information Center In order to save the time involved in visiting an office of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, the Ministry operates a 24-hour-daily Computerized Information Center, which enables the public to receive updates and information, and to report information directly to the central computer quickly and easily via telephone (See Useful Addresses). It is possible to handle issues such as renewing drivers and vehicle licenses, updating addresses, clarifying fines, and just about any other service with a telephone call. Note: this is the eighth edition of this booklet, and hereby nullifies all previous editions. The information contained within this booklet is provided by various official bodies. In case of any discrepancy, the regulations of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption and other official bodies will prevail. Driver s Licenses for New Immigrants Converting a License New immigrants can convert their foreign driving license within three years of aliyah, however it is only permissible to drive on the overseas license for one year. Returning residents may convert their overseas licenses within one year of return, on condition that they resided abroad for at least one year, and that the license was issued at least six months prior to return. The Licensing Procedure: 1. Go to the nearest licensing photograpy center (Femi-Premium or Taldor) in order to be photographed for the license. See Useful Addresses. The center issues a form with the applicant s personal information and the photographs, and addresses of optometrists authorized to administer the optical examination. Supply the following documents: Valid overseas driving license issued at least six months prior to receipt of new-immigrant status and photocopies of the license Passport that documents entrance into Israel and residence overseas at the time of the issuance of the foreign passport. Te udat zehut 3

4 Te udat oleh 2. Take the form to an authorized optometrist or eye doctor for an optical examination. Applicants who wear glasses or contact lenses must wear them during the examination. 3. Take the form to a family doctor for a physical examination. 4. Submit the form received at Femi-Premium or Taldor, together with the optometrist s and doctor s authorizations to the Licensing Bureau. The following documents are also requried: Valid overseas driving license issued at least six months prior to receipt of new-immigrant status and photocopies of the license Passport that documents entrance into Israel and residence overseas at the time of the issuance of the foreign passport. Te udat zehut Te udat oleh The Licensing Bureau will then refer the applicant to a driving school. 5. Set a time with an authorized driving instructor for the practical driving test. In most cases, it is recommended to take a number of driving lessons before the exam. Upon successful completion of the practical driving test, the overseas license is converted to an Israeli one. Applicants who have held an Israeli license in the past must present the following: Valid original overseas license. Passport with authorization of overseas residence at the time of receipt of the foreign license, and that confirms the date of entry into Israel. Applicants must also undergo the optical examination and the general physical examination. If the overseas license is a lower level than that of the requested Israeli license, it may also be necessary to meet additional requirements including tests. Licenses for Public or Commercial Transport Vehicles New immigrants who hold overseas licenses for public or commercial transport vehicles (e.g., buses and taxis,) must request an equivalent Israeli license. It is necessary to present the overseas license and work permits. Applicants are also required to take a first aid and fire-fighting course, and pass practical and theoretical exams. Obtaining a Driver s License One who does not have an overseas license, or wishes to apply for their first driving license, must take both a written and a practical driving test, and meet the following requirements: Applicants must be at least 16 years and 9 months old. It is then possible to begin to study for a beginner s license ( 02 ). Pass medical and optical examinations. 4

5 Register at a driving school and take the required number of driving lessons. Pay a fee. Take the theoretical driving test, and afterwards the practical driving test. Those who pass both tests receive a restricted license to drive a private vehicle for one year. At the age of 18, applicants must also receive authorization from the IDF. Application forms for driving licenses are available from Femi-Premium and Taldor (see Useful Addresses). Present a te udat zehut or passport to the Femi-Premium or Taldor facility, which will take photographs for the license. The photo is printed onto a computerized form and entered into the Licensing Bureau database. Take the application form to an authorized optometrist or eye doctor in order to have the eye examination, and to a family doctor for the physical examination. Soldiers in compulsory IDF service and in the career army are exempt from the medical examinations upon presentation of a waiver from the Town Major. Licenses for Two-Wheeled Vehicles Motorcycle of up to 50 Cubic Centimeters: In order to receive a license for a motorcycle of up to 50 cubic centimeters, applicants must: Be at least 16 years old and receive parental permission on a special form. Undergo medical and optical examinations. Take a minimum of 15 lessons. Pass a practical test and a theoretical test. An applicant who already holds a license for driving a private vehicle (automobile) must pass a proficiency test only. Motorcycle of up to 500 Cubic Centimeters: In order to receive a license for a motorcycle of up to 500 cubic centimeters applicants must: Be at least 18 years old. Undergo medical and optical examinations. Take a minimum of 15 lessons and pass practical and theoretical tests. Receive authorization from the IDF. Motorcycle of over 500 Cubic Centimeters: In order to receive a license for a motorcycle of over 500 cubic centimeters applicants must: Be at least 21 years old. Undergo medical and optical examinations. Take a minimum of 8 lessons and pass practical and theoretical tests. Receive authorization from the IDF. For more information, contact the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. 5

6 License to Drive a Taxi In order to receive a taxi driver s license, applicants must fill out a request form available at Ministry of Transport and Road Safety offices and meet the following criteria: Minimum age 21, and at least 2 years of driving experience. Minimum of 8 years of education. Pass an optical examination. Supply certification from the Police of absence of any criminal background. Pass a medical examination at the Medical Institute for Road Safety (See Useful Addresses). Submit the request form, together with 2 photos to the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. Upon acceptance of the application, candidates take a 3-month course and must pass exams. License to Drive a Bus One who requests a license to drive a bus must meet the following requirements: At least 21 years old. Possession of a driving license for at least 1 1/2 years. At least 8 years of education. Present a te udat zehut, educational certificates, a valid driving license, 4 photographs, authorization of the medical and optical examinations, and authorization from the local police attesting to an absence of any criminal background. Following submission of documents, applicants may then take a course and must pass both theoretical and practical tests. Contact the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety for details. License to Drive a Tractor From the age of 16, applicants can be eligible for a license to drive a tractor, following a practical and theoretical course on tractor driving, a medical examination, and success on licensing tests. The Theory Test The Theory test is administered by private testing centers authorized by the Licensing Bureau. For more information, contact the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety telephone information service (See Useful Addresses). The test is computerized, and is approximately 40 minutes. There are 30 multiple-choice questions, and it is necessary to correctly answer at least 26 in order to pass. Applicants receive results on the same day, on a printed form that contains their score as well as their personal information. This form is necessary for the practical driving test. Applicants who fail the test can repeat it as soon as the next day. It is necessary to arrive for the test with a driving license application form, as well as payment for the test fees, and te udat zehut or passport. Persons who fail the exam can appeal the results within 72 hours at an office of the Licensing Bureau. An application form for appealing results is available for download on the website of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety. 6

7 It is possible to take the test in English, French, or Russian, as well as Hebrew. The theory test measures knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, familiarity with the vehicle, and safe and correct behavior on the road. It is recommended to take the theory test close to the time of driving lessons. Persons with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or who have other difficulties with written exams, who have the appropriate authorizations, may be able to take an oral version of the theory test. Consult with the Licensing Bureau for details, or see the website of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety. The Practical Driving Test To apply for the practical driving test (ma asi) the following is required: Application form for a driver s license, with confirmation of passing the theory test Authorization of the minimum number of driving lessons. Payment of the test fee. During the practical driving test, the applicant drives the vehicle through typical road and traffic conditions, and is evaluated for ability to operate the vehicle, driving behavior, turning, crossing junctions, overtaking other vehicles, parking, driving speed, and other capabilities. The test is approximately 30 minutes. In most cases, applicants receive their results within 72 hours. One who fails the test may repeat it following at least 14 days. An applicant who fails the test may also appeal the results, in writing, to a Licensing Bureau, within 72 hours. The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety also posts test results on their website and their computerized information service (see Useful Addresses). Appeals It is possible to appeal the results of either the theory test or the practical test within 72 hours to the Chief Examiner, or to the individual responsible for driving tests at the Licensing Bureau at which the test took place. Submit the license form application and the test results along with the appeal. Correcting Details on the License In order to fix any incorrect details on a driving license, contact a Licensing Bureau. If a foreign (non-hebrew) name must be corrected it is necessary to state this when being photographed. An applicant who has a requirement to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses when driving noted on their license, and has undergone corrective surgery and no longer requires glasses or lenses, must bring authorization from the optometrist to the nearest Licensing Bureau. New Drivers-Special Rules The law defines new drivers as drivers within 2 years from the date of receipt of their first driving license. During these first 7

8 two years, the license is conditional, and it is necessary to drive with extreme caution, follow all rules of the road, and obey all traffic laws. The driver must also place a New Driver sign in the rear windshield. This condition applies to new drivers up to the age of 24. An experienced driver must accompany a new driver for two months from the day of receipt of the license each time that the new driver gets behind the wheel. The experienced driver must sit in the passenger s seat. This law also applies to those who held a license for a motorcycle or a tractor prior to receipt of an automobile license. The period during which the new driver must be accompanied, and the date upon which this period concludes is printed on the new driver s license. The definition of an experienced driver is an individual that has held a valid driving license for the same category of vehicle for at least five years, or has held a license for at least three years and is at least 30 years of age. New drivers caught driving without an experienced driver beside them are prosecuted! New drivers convicted of any of the following traffic violations must take the driving tests again: Driving without a valid license or contrary to the terms of the license (including allowing another person to do so in the vehicle). Using the vehicle while committing a crime. Failing to stop at railway crossings. Failing to obey traffic signals. Failing to yield. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Illegally overtaking another vehicle. Exceeding the speed limit. Failing to report a traffic accident. Failing to assist others injured in a traffic accident. Causing a traffic accident that results in injury to others. Any offense that a court determines justifies suspension of the license. Renewing a License Licenses are renewable every 10 years. The renewal date is the license-holder s civil birth date. Close to the date of renewal, the license-holder should receive a temporary license with a pay voucher. Licenses for new drivers, licenses for drivers of heavy and commercial vehicles, and for drivers over the age of 65, must be renewed every two years, and are contingent upon medical and optical examinations. 8

9 Pay renewal fees at any bank, or via credit card through the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety website or their Information Center (see Useful Addresses). One who does not receive their permanent license following payment should contact the Information Center of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety in order to check the reason for the delay. Lost or Damaged License? One who loses or damages a license should go to the nearest Licensing Bureau, present their te udat zehut and fill out a declaration form. They will then receive a duplicate license, on condition that there are no restrictions on the license, the license has not been canceled, etc. The license becomes valid upon payment of the licensing fee at a post office branch. This license is good for three months, until receipt of a new permanent license in the mail. It is also possible to request a duplicate license through the Information Center (see Useful Addresses). Revoked Licenses The Courts, Licensing Bureaus, and the Police have the power to revoke a license. A license may also be confiscated should the holder fail to appear for a medical examination at a designated time at the Medical Institute for Road Safety. International Driving Permit Israelis traveling abroad can receive an international driving permit issued by Taldor or Memsi. It is usually necessary to have an Israeli license when using the international permit as well. The following countries permit Israeli drivers to drive with an Israeli license: Australia and Norway: for up to three months from date of entry. Belgium, Britain, Germany, Holland, and Cyprus: for up to six months from date of entry. Hungary: from age 18 up to 12 months from date of entry. Ireland: up to12 months from date of entry. United States: up to 12 months from date of entry. Singapore: from age 18 for up to12 months from date of entry. Spain: up to 6 months from date of entry. Portugal: up to 3 months from date of entry. Finland: up to12 months from date of entry. Czech Republic: up to 3 months from date of entry. Turkey, France, and Switzerland: from age 18 up to12 months from date of entry. El Salvador and Costa Rica: up to 3 months from date of entry. Sweden: up to12 months from date of entry. Italy: up to12 months from date of entry Note: Persons renting a car overseas should check with the agency in advance that the agency will recognize their Israeli license when renting a car and for insuring the vehicle. Vehicle Registration Once a year, vehicle-owners receive a bill for vehicle registration fees. It is possible to pay the fees in one of the following ways. 9

10 With a personal check at a postal bank. Via credit card on Via credit card by phone to the Ministry of Transportation (See Useful Addresses) Following payment, it is necessary to bring the automobile to a certified registration center in order to check the working condition of the vehicle (for a fee). If the automobile is more than 15 years old, it is also necessary for the brakes system to be tested and certified by an official garage. Older vehicles may have to be tested twice a year. The license of an older vehicle will not be renewed if two years have passed since its expiration (instead of one year). Contact the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety Information Center for more information. Transferring Ownership The responsibility for registering a transfer of ownership of a vehicle falls on both the buyer and the seller. The procedure must take place as follows: Register change of ownership within 15 days from the date of sale. Until the transfer of ownership is completed, the vehicle remains registered in the name of the original owner. Any fines, tickets, or other obligations continue to be in the original owner s name. Both the buyer and the seller must go to a branch of the Postal Bank (Bank HaDoar) that has a computer link to the Licensing Bureau. Both the buyer and the seller must present their te udat zehut, and the registration and license of the vehicle. A third party may execute transfer of ownership on condition that the power-of-attorney form attached to the renewal notice is completed and signed. The third party must present a te udat zehut when executing the transfer. As long as there are no limitations, attachments, or liens on the vehicle, the transfer of ownership is authorized on the spot. Note that in the following cases, transfer-of-ownership may only be executed at the Licensing Bureau: The transfer of ownership is between new immigrants. Transfer of ownership involves a person with a disability, who pays special rates. Transfer of ownership for an inherited vehicle. The owner is a minor or a tourist. The vehicle is a public vehicle or a touring vehicle. The transfer is the result of a court order. The vehicle has not undergone its annual test. An owner may register a vehicle under more than one name only at the time of purchase. The addition of a name or names after the purchase is considered a change of ownership, and it is necessary to pay a fee. The exception to this guideline is the addition of a spouse s name to a vehicle, which does not involve a fee. The Licensing Bureaus process 10

11 the addition; both spouses must be present and have the vehicle license and their te udat zehut. Removing a name from the registration of a vehicle that is registered in more than one name is not considered a transfer of ownership, but does require a fee. The Licensing Bureau processes the removal, and all registered owners must be present. Contact a Licensing Bureau for more information. Refunds There are some situations in which a vehicle owner may be eligible for a refund of part of the registration fee. These can include: Total loss of the vehicle through accident Theft of the vehicle Changes in the vehicle (e.g., replacement of the engine, repairs, etc., which have been registered with the Licensing Bureau) Double payment For persons with disabilities, following the National Insurance Institute determining the percentage of disability. In order to receive a refund, fill out and submit a request form to the Financial Department of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety (see Useful Addresses). Seizures and Liens Liens can be imposed on vehicles as security for a bank loan or financing company, and prevent any change of ownership until the lien is removed. Liens are entered directly into the Licensing Bureau computer when they are in favor of a bank or finance company. Either the vehicle owner, or an individual with the owner s power of attorney, processes a lien in favor of a private individual at a Licensing Bureau office. A lien in favor of a bank or finance company is cancelled via the Licensing Bureau computer. Canceling a lien in the name of any other party must be via application to the Licensing Bureau. Contact a Licensing Bureau for more information. A court can seize vehicles if the owner is in debt to a Civil or Rabbinical court, the Income Tax Authority, or other official body. Once the debt is paid, the Court cancels the seizure. The courts can issue orders to attach a vehicle on behalf of the Licensing Bureau. Canceling an attachment is possible only through the Court s authorization. A bank processes a mortgage of a vehicle on its own behalf. A private individual must fill out a special form to process the mortgage of a vehicle through a Licensing Bureau. 11

12 Persons with Disabilities Persons with disabilities may be eligible for a parking card tag chaneya lenecheh to place in their windshield in order to park in reserved spaces. They may also be eligible for discounts or exemptions from registration fees. At the time of publication and until further notice, the Unit for Services for the Mobility Disabled of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety handles requests for cards and for discounts on registration fees for persons of all ages. Israel uses a new type of plastic card that includes advanced security features that make it difficult to counterfeit. The card (similar in size to the photocard driving license) must be placed in the vehicle s windshield on the left side (driver s side) in order to facilitate identification on the part of law-enforcement officials. The law permits the personal usage of the card by the disabled individual only. They may use the card when driving, or when traveling in a vehicle that a companion is driving. Unauthorized use of the card is subject to a significant fine. Eligible persons who do not already possess a card should apply for one according to procedures outlined below. Definition * An individual determined to be in one of the following categories by a government physician or by an authorized physician that specializes in disabilities according to specific official guidelines: * An individual whose ability to walk is severely limited and is dependent upon a vehicle as a means of transport. * An individual with a disability of least 60%, and whose condition of mobility without a vehicle is liable to further diminish their state of health. * According to official Government guidelines, a blind person is one who is dependent as a result of visual disability. * An individual whose mobility has been determined to be limited by an authorized physician, and who is restricted to a wheelchair. Who is Eligible for a Card? Persons defined as disabled by the Ministry of Defense Persons that have a Certificate of Blindness from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services. Holocaust survivors who have authorization from the Ministry of Finance Victims of enemy actions who have authorization from the National Insurance Institute Persons of limited mobility (all ages) who have authorization from the Ministry of Health. Persons who lack authorization must send up-to-date medical documents that detail their state of mobility to the Yechida LeMugbalei Nayadut P.O.B. 72, Holon. Doctors of this department evaluate eligibility for a card. 12

13 Procedure 1. Obtain authorization from a physician of the Licensing Bureau, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, the Rehabilitation Unit of the Ministry of Finance, or the National Insurance Institute. 2. Fill out a form (available for download from the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety website) and attach the following documents: Signed letter from the applicant indicating the numbers of the vehicles for which the tags are requested (up to 2). Photocopy of applicant s te udat zehut and attachment (sefach). Photocopy of vehicle registration and driving license Medical authorization of level of disability. Relevant authorization from the Ministry of Health, Finance, Social Affairs and Social Services, Defense, or the National Insurance Institute. If the person requesting the card is not the owner of the vehicle, attach the relevant documents as follows: If the vehicle is registered in the name of individual s spouse, it is necessary to present copies of the te udat zehut and addendum of both spouses. If the vehicle is registered in the name of a child, parent, or sibling, it is necessary to present copies of the te udat zehut and addendum of each person in order to establish proof of the relationship. If the vehicle is registered in the name of a person who is not an immediate family member (in-law, friend,) it is necessary to present two signed declarations authorized by an attorney (one from the individual with the disability and one from the owner of the vehicle) that attests to the vehicle s use by the individual for whom the card is requested. If the vehicle registration is in the name of the guardian of a person with a disability, it is necessary to present the order of guardianship signed by a Court. If there is more than one guardian, present a letter in which the remaining guardians grant permission and which is signed by a Court. If the vehicle is in the name of a rental company, present authorization from the company. The authorization should be on company letterhead with the company signature, with the number of the vehicle, and the name and te udat zehut number of the person with the disability, and stating that the vehicle is for that individual s personal use. If the vehicle is registered in the name of an employer, present authorization with the logo and signature of the employer, the number of the vehicle and the details of the person with the disability. The authorization should state that the vehicle is for the use of the person with the disability. If the vehicle is registered in the name of a leasing company, present authorization with the logo of the leasing company and the signature of the employer, the number of the vehicle and the details of the person with the disability. The authorization should state that the vehicle is for the use of the person with the disability. 13

14 The process of renewing a card is identical to that as requesting one. It is recommended to begin renewal procedures within 90 days of expiration of a current card. To receive a refund of registration fees, submit a copy of the check, a copy of the vehicle registration and the refund form (available for download from the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety website). Send requests to the Holon Licensing Bureau, HaYehida LeTipul BeMugbalei Nayadut, P.O.B. 72, Holon. It is not necessary to appear in person. Persons with certain categories of disabilities may be eligible for a discount or exemption from vehicle registration fees. It is possible to apply for the discount at the same time as applying for the card. For more information, contact the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety Information Center. See Useful Addresses. See also the booklet entitled Guide to Services for the Disabled, available from the Publications department. Traffic Violations = Fines! Drivers who commit traffic violations are subject to both fines and registration of points. Accumulated points can result in suspension of the offender s license or other measures, including an order to take classes in safe driving. Examples of the types of offenses that can result in points and fines include: Drivers or passengers traveling without seatbelts Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Driving over the speed limit Failure to stop at a railway crossing Driving under the influence of alcohol. Fines must be paid within 90 days, or the offender must go to court. Serious offenses can result in up to ten points registered against the offender. In most cases, points remain on record for two years. If an individual accumulates a large number of points (more than 22,) they may remain on record for up to four years. A driver who accumulates 36 points during a four-year period may have their license suspended for three months. The license is returned following successful completion of the driving theory exam. A driver who accumulates 36 points twice during a six-year period has their license suspended for nine months, and only receives it back following a medical examination at the Medical Institute for Road Safety. They must also pass both the driving theory test and the practical driving test. The Traffic Police The Traffic Police enforces traffic laws and issues tickets to violators. Tickets are issued automatically when drivers are photographed running red lights or speeding. The fine is doubled for violators who do not pay on time. A fine that remains unpaid increases over time. Sanctions are 14