UPDATE: As of Wednesday, May 6, the Misrad HaRishui has reopened, (by appointment only). As such, all are urged to convert their foreign licenses if their first year in Israel has concluded. It is unclear how much longer the extension, described below, will be granted for.
of Foreigners are permitted to drive in Israel with their foreign license for up to one year after arriving in Israel. After one year has passed, they are required to convert their drivers license to an Israeli license. Failure to do so is extremely problematic, for Israeli law considers you to be driving without a license if you were required to hold a local driver’s license.
Chaim V’Chessed frequently guides clients on how to convert their foreign license, and has raised awareness in this area. During the Coronavirus crisis, a unique difficulty arose. Holders of foreign licenses who had completed one year in Israel sought to obtain Israeli licenses. However, the licensing centers were all closed. Hence, these people were forced to choose between staying off the road – or driving illegally!
Chaim V’Chessed reached out to Transportation Minister Betzalel Smotrich, who responded most graciously. Within a few short days, Minister Smotrich arranged that foreign drivers will be given additional time to convert their licenses. Drivers whose first year in Israel concludes between March 10 and May 10 will receive an additional two months in which they may drive on the foreign driver’s license.
Foreigners are permitted to drive in Israel with their foreign license for up to one year after arriving in Israel. After one year has passed, they are required to convert their drivers license to an Israeli license. Failure to do so is extremely problematic, for Israeli law considers you to be driving without a license if you were required to hold a local driver’s license.
Chaim V’Chessed frequently guides clients on how to convert their foreign license, and has raised awareness in this area. During the Coronavirus crisis, a unique difficulty arose. Holders of foreign licenses who had completed one year in Israel sought to obtain Israeli licenses. However, the licensing centers were all closed. Hence, these people were forced to choose between staying off the road – or driving illegally!
Chaim V’Chessed reached out to Transportation Minister Betzalel Smotrich, who responded most graciously. Within a few short days, Minister Smotrich arranged that foreign drivers will be given additional time to convert their licenses. Drivers whose first year in Israel concludes between March 10 and May 10 will receive an additional two months in which they may drive on the foreign driver’s license.
Chaim V’Chessed reached out to Transportation Minister Betzalel Smotrich, who responded most graciously. Within a few short days, Minister Smotrich arranged that foreign drivers will be given additional time to convert their licenses. Drivers whose first year in Israel concludes between March 10 and May 10 will receive an additional two months in which they may drive on the foreign driver’s license.