Police forces across Israel are rolling out a new enforcement system that will dramatically change how traffic violations are handled on the roads. Under the expanded “Guardians of the Road” citizen initiative, officers will film drivers committing offences but will not pull them over at the roadside. Instead, motorists will receive penalty notices posted to their home addresses, allowing traffic to flow uninterrupted.

The scheme targets five major categories of traffic violation, though police have not yet publicly detailed which offences will be prioritised. By eliminating roadside stops, the initiative aims to reduce congestion caused by traffic enforcement and remove risks associated with stopping vehicles on busy roads. This method has already shown promise in earlier pilot programmes and is now being expanded across multiple police divisions.

Motorists will be unaware they have been filmed at the time of the alleged violation, with evidence of the breach arriving weeks later through the post. The system relies on high-definition camera technology to capture vehicle registration plates and driver behaviour, creating a documentary record that can be used in any subsequent dispute.

Police argue the new approach will improve road safety by increasing perceived enforcement without the unpredictability of traditional traffic stops. However, the system raises questions about due process, as drivers will have limited opportunity to contest violations at the scene where circumstances can be clarified. The expansion represents a significant shift in how British-trained policing methods are being adapted for Israeli roads.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.