Indian Licence in Israel 2026: 1949 IDP, Right-Hand Roads
India
Israel
Yes. Israel lets visitors drive on a foreign licence for up to 12 months; carry the 1949 IDP from your RTO too. You switch from left to right, and the alcohol limit is 0.05%, against 0.03% at home.
Israel is a compact country with a modern road network, so a hire car covers a lot in a short trip. For an Indian driver the paperwork is light; the side of the road is what needs attention.
The licence and the IDP
Global Affairs Canada’s advice for Israel says a foreign licence can be used for up to 12 months and that visitors should carry an International Driving Permit. India and Israel are both parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, and that is the permit Indian RTOs issue. Apply before you fly, since it cannot be issued once you are abroad, and keep the IDP, your Indian licence and your passport together. The driving permit checker covers other countries.
From the left to the right
India drives on the left; Israel drives on the right. The danger is concentrated in the first day: pulling out of a fuel station, a roundabout that turns anticlockwise, a glance the wrong way at a junction. Start on quiet roads rather than central Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Ottawa warns of heavy traffic and a high rate of road accidents from dangerous driving, and of narrow, winding mountain roads in places, so leave extra space.
Alcohol and speed
Israel’s limit is 0.05% for most drivers and 0.01% for young and new drivers. India’s Motor Vehicles Act sets 0.03%, so the general Israeli number is higher, but the safe rule is the same: no alcohol before driving. Towns are 50 km/h, other roads up to 80 km/h, and motorways up to 110 km/h, as WHO records. Emergencies: police 100, ambulance 101, fire 102.
Read the full rules in the Israel driving guide and estimate any penalty with the speeding fine calculator.
Sources
- Global Affairs Canada, Israel travel advice (foreign licence up to 12 months; carry an IDP; road conditions; 100/101/102): travel.gc.ca
- WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Israel profile (50/80/110 km/h; 0.05 g/dl general, 0.01 g/dl young or novice): who.int
- UN Treaty Collection, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic (India 1962, Israel 1955): treaties.un.org
- India, Motor Vehicles Act 1988 s.185 (0.03%): indiacode.nic.in
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as a visitor. Global Affairs Canada's advice puts the period for a foreign licence at up to 12 months and says to carry an International Driving Permit. India and Israel are both parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, which is the permit Indian RTOs issue, so take one with your licence and passport.
The right, while India drives on the left. The switch is the biggest adjustment: take the first hour on quiet roads, and be careful at junctions and roundabouts, which run anticlockwise.
0.05% blood alcohol for most drivers and 0.01% for young and new drivers, according to the WHO profile. India's Motor Vehicles Act sets 0.03%, so Israel's general figure is the higher one; the safe plan is still no alcohol before driving.