Drunk driving is one of the most serious offenses under the Traffic Ordinance.
What is drunk driving under the law?
Drunk driving is one of the most serious offenses under the Traffic Ordinance. The law establishes a presumption of intoxication when the alcohol concentration exceeds 240 micrograms per liter of exhaled air or 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood. As for a new driver, a young driver under the age of 24, and a professional driver (truck, bus, taxi), the threshold is significantly stricter and stands at only 50 micrograms, so even a small amount of drinking may bring them within the definition of intoxication. Important to know: even refusal to be tested creates a presumption of intoxication in every respect.
Penalties
The main and most painful penalty is mandatory license disqualification: the legislature set a minimum disqualification of two years, and for a second offense within a short period of time, a minimum disqualification of 4 years. Alongside the disqualification: the possibility of actual imprisonment or a suspended sentence, fines, immediate administrative disqualification of 30 days, and impoundment of the vehicle. The court may, in special circumstances to be specified in the judgment, shorten the minimum disqualification period, and this is precisely where the defense's room to act lies.
Possible lines of defense
The proper functioning of the breathalyzer device and its calibration, the manner in which the test was conducted and the procedures that preceded it, the chain of documents, the driver's rights during the detention, as well as personal circumstances justifying a departure from the minimum disqualification. Many drunk-driving cases have ended with significantly more lenient outcomes thanks to a professional challenge to the technical evidence. Do not rush to admit guilt: consult first.
Legal representation in drunk driving cases
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents drivers in drunk driving and criminal traffic cases. A two-year license disqualification is a severe blow to livelihood and daily routine, and sometimes it can be prevented or reduced. Contact us for an initial consultation without obligation before the first hearing.
What is drunk driving under the law?
Drunk driving is one of the most serious offenses under the Traffic Ordinance. The law establishes a presumption of intoxication when the alcohol concentration exceeds 240 micrograms per liter of exhaled air or 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood. As for a new driver, a young driver under the age of 24, and a professional driver (truck, bus, taxi), the threshold is significantly stricter and stands at only 50 micrograms, so even a small amount of drinking may bring them within the definition of intoxication. Important to know: even refusal to be tested creates a presumption of intoxication in every respect.
The penalties — what is important to know?
The main and most painful penalty is mandatory license disqualification: the legislature set a minimum disqualification of two years, and for a second offense within a short period of time, a minimum disqualification of 4 years. Alongside the disqualification: the possibility of actual imprisonment or a suspended sentence, fines, immediate administrative disqualification of 30 days, and impoundment of the vehicle. The court may, in special circumstances to be specified in the judgment, shorten the minimum disqualification period, and this is precisely where the defense's room to act lies.
Possible lines of defense — what is important to know?
The proper functioning of the breathalyzer device and its calibration, the manner in which the test was conducted and the procedures that preceded it, the chain of documents, the driver's rights during the detention, as well as personal circumstances justifying a departure from the minimum disqualification. Many drunk-driving cases have ended with significantly more lenient outcomes thanks to a professional challenge to the technical evidence. Do not rush to admit guilt: consult first.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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