Drunk Driving
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.
Excessive speed
When does speeding turn from a fine into an indictment?
Speeding offenses are graded according to the extent of the deviation from the permitted speed: minor deviations end with a fine and points; higher deviations, generally above 20 km/h on an urban road and above 25 km/h on a non-urban road, lead to a summons to the traffic court; and extreme deviations are treated severely: an immediate administrative disqualification of 30 days by a police officer, charges accompanied by a demand for a lengthy disqualification, and in serious cases also reckless driving.
The evidence: the measuring devices and their weaknesses
Speed cases rest on technical evidence: Mamlaz, laser, Dvora, Alef-3 cameras, and automatic enforcement systems. Each device has binding procedures: operator certification, daily functionality checks, calibration, placement conditions, and measurement range. Case law has dismissed many cases due to noncompliance with procedures, and a case that seems "lost" can turn around when the operating report and the device log are examined. Do not rush to admit by mail: a quick admission closes off every possibility.
The cumulative consequences
Beyond the penalty in the individual case: points that accumulate into corrective measures and disqualifications, aggravation in repeat offenses, and disqualifications that endanger the livelihood of professional drivers. For new and young drivers, a serious speeding offense may extend the "new driver" period and require retesting.
Representation in speeding cases
Advocate Israel Arama represents drivers in speeding cases: challenging the technical evidence, managing the proceeding in traffic court, and reducing disqualifications and points. Before paying the fine or admitting guilt, it is worth checking: contact us for an initial consultation with no obligation.
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.
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.
When does speeding turn from a fine into an indictment?
Speeding offenses are graded according to the extent of the deviation from the permitted speed: minor deviations end with a fine and points; higher deviations, generally above 20 km/h on an urban road and above 25 km/h on a non-urban road, lead to a summons to the traffic court; and extreme deviations are treated severely: an immediate administrative disqualification of 30 days by a police officer, charges accompanied by a demand for a lengthy disqualification, and in serious cases also reckless driving.
The cumulative consequences — what is important to know?
Beyond the penalty in the individual case: points that accumulate into corrective measures and disqualifications, aggravation in repeat offenses, and disqualifications that endanger the livelihood of professional drivers. For new and young drivers, a serious speeding offense may extend the "new driver" period and require retesting.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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