Israel - Travel Guide
Description
Israel is over 500km long and only 12km wide at its narrowest point. It can be divided into four topographical areas: desert in the south, the low coastal plain, rugged mountains in its centre and the lush, green Jordan Rift Valley. Israel's lowest point, the Dead Sea is a mini-universe with its own micro-climate, 330 days sunshine per year and its own tourist board.
Located in the Middle East bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Lebanon and Egypt, Israel is becoming increasingly popular, not only as a tourist destination, but also as an ideal location for business meetings, conventions and seminars. In the run-up to the Olympic Games, some countries are also using Israel for sport training for their teams.
It is worth mentioning that, although most of the country is at peace, there has been an increased risk of terrorism to the country and also some disputes at the borders, so increased vigilance is recommended at all times.
Israel has a variety of sites and attractions guaranteed to tempt almost every traveller. From the wet, mountainous north with its forests and otter-laden streams to the Dead Sea, the lowest point anywhere on earth at -408m it is reputed to be the largest natural spa in the world. Health tourism is proudly marketed in this area, with full spa resort facilities and thermo-mineral springs, the Dead Sea waters are said to cure and calm. Just a short drive from the bustling capital, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea is a must if you are visiting Israel.
The River Jordan, the mainstay of the Rift Valley, is the most important river in the country and a wonderful sight to behold, the Negev Desert is where you can camel ride through the almost lunar landscape, or choose any one of the 300 national parks on offer in the country to satisfy your passions for walking, water sports, ornithology or simply relaxing in the Mediterranean climate.
Driving Guide
Driving regulations
Traffic in Israel drives on the right. Traffic signs and regulations are generally standard and resemble those of Western Europe. Israel has a somewhat unique "protected" traffic light system. Whenever a green light applies to a certain direction of travel, it guarantees fully protected travel to that direction, with the exception of right turns on green, which might require the driver to yield to pedestrians in some cases. Usually, each traffic light has an arrow on top, and the traffic light then controls travel to the indicated direction, with a green light guaranteeing that all conflicting traffic faces a red light. However, the most unusual thing happens in the rare occasion when a traffic light has no arrows. Unlike in most other countries, a green light allows protected travel into all directions, and one may even turn left without yielding to oncoming traffic, which faces a red light. Turning right at a red light is strictly forbidden; however, many large intersections provide separate right-turn pockets that bypass traffic lights, usually only requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians and traffic. Such right-turn pockets are usually preceded by a single flashing yellow light with a picture of a pedestrian in it - this merely reminds the driver to watch out for pedestrians who may be crossing the pocket in the path of the turning vehicle. Like in several other countries, the green phase is preceded by a red+yellow combination phase. A flashing green light indicates that the yellow light is about to appear, but can usually be found only on roads with speed limits of at least 60 km/h.
White road markings are used to separate both traffic traveling in the same direction and in opposite directions. Yellow lines are used to mark the outer edges of the road (do not cross these, except if stopping at a shoulder), and orange or red lines are used in construction zones. Traffic circles (roundabouts) are very common; generally, one gives way to cars already in the circle. There are no all-way stop signs. Highway signage is usually in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, although sometimes just in Hebrew and English.
Headlights must be turned on (even during the day) on intercity highways from November to March. Motorcyclists have to have their headlights on in all months of the year. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Talking on a cell phone without a hands-free system is forbidden. If one must exit the vehicle on the shoulder of a highway, there is a law requiring that one put on a neon yellow reflective vest in order to promote visibility.
Parking regulations are indicated by curb markings. Red and white markings mean parking is prohibited (though depending on the locale and its parking regulations, one may park at a red and white overnight). Do not stop near curbs marked red and yellow, because these are usually reserved for certain vehicles, such as buses at bus stops. Blue and white markings permit parking only with a parking permit purchased at a machine. And of course, do not park in handicapped zones.
Israel uses the metric system of measurements. Default speed limits are 50 km/h in residential zones, 80 km/h on intercity roads without a physical separation median between opposing lanes, and 90 km/h on intercity roads with a physical separation median. By default, all major freeways (identified by the standard blue European motorway sign) have a speed limit of 110 km/h; however, in practice, speed limit signs bearing a lower limit (usually 90 km/h or 100 km/h) limit the speed on these roads. Currently, only one freeway, toll highway #6 (Cross-Israel Highway) actually allows 110 km/h in most sections.
Police presence on the roads is generally very significant, and speed and red light cameras are common.
[edit] Licensing information
All drivers in Israel must carry a driver's license. International driver permits, as well as licenses from certain countries are accepted. Drivers of motor vehicles must be at least 17 years old, whilst insurance is mandatory. Driving a motorcycle or a moped is permitted starting at the age of 16. All cars in Israel must undergo an annual safety inspection, and a sticker bearing the year of the last inspection should appear on the front windshield. Recently, there has been a law passed that calls for every car to carry a yellow reflective vest at all times. Theoretically, the police could stop you at any time and ask to see it. If you stop on the edge of the road, and have to get out, you are expected to wear the vest. All rental cars should have one so it is a good idea to check before you leave.