Palestine's 2026 Rules: Zero Alcohol, 120 km/h Caps
Data verified:
3 min readPalestine drives on the right side of the road. The motorway speed limit is 120 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Driving in Palestine means right-hand traffic with rules that differ from home. Zero-tolerance alcohol policy means any amount can result in arrest. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Palestine requires a warning triangle and hi-vis vest in the vehicle at all times, and roadside checks do happen; the penalty for a missing item is set locally and we do not publish a figure we cannot verify. Rental companies rarely include the full kit; ask before leaving the lot.
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Zero is the blood alcohol limit in Palestine, leaving no margin for even a single drink before driving. Motorway speeds reach 120 km/h, rural roads 80 km/h and towns 50 km/h. Traffic keeps to the right, and emergency services answer on 112.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero.
Emergency Numbers in Palestine
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Palestine, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Palestine
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Palestine are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in Palestine vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.
Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
Palestine enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Winter tyres are not required in Palestine. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres: restricted.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Palestine guide.
Driving License Requirements
Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.
Parking and Fuel
Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
Palestine has arid to semi-arid conditions. Extreme heat can affect both driver and vehicle — carry water, monitor tyre pressure (heat increases pressure), and watch for sand or dust on road surfaces.
Night driving in desert areas requires extra caution due to limited lighting and potential wildlife crossings.
Practical Driving Tips for Palestine
- Download offline maps of Palestine before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Speed Limits in Palestine
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 80 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h | 100 km/h |
Emergency Numbers in Palestine
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Palestine
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Palestine
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Palestine on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Recent changes to this page
- Title and description tightened to the page's own data (title 50-60, description 140-155 characters).
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Removed an equipment penalty that was actually the speeding fine copied from another field; countries.json has no equipment-fine value, so no figure is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Palestine, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 80 km/h (50 mph), and motorways 120 km/h (75 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Palestine, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Palestine should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Palestine for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Palestine are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Palestine is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Palestine. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Palestine, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
Driving in Palestine is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows Asian standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
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