Speed limit hiked to 120 kph on major highways

New regulation raising maximum speed will be implemented first on Route 6 and later on other roads

By ToI Staff 24 March 2014, 9:37 am Edit

Route 6, the trans-Israel highway (photo credit: Chen Leopold/Flash90)

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz on Sunday raised the speed limit on Israel’s highways to 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph), up from the current maximum of 110 kph on most roads.

The new speed limit will take effect on Route 6, Israel’s north-south toll road, starting on Monday and will be gradually phased in on other highways.

Katz signed the new regulation after consulting traffic engineers and highway officials and gaining the approval of the head of the traffic police.

The Transportation Ministry noted that Route 6, which was built by an American company, was designed for a maximum speed of 130 kph (80 mph).

Traffic police will begin issuing speeding tickets for drivers exceeding 10 percent of the new speed limit, which in effect permits drivers to cruise at no higher than 132 kph.