Reduced Penalties for Late Payment of Administrative and Criminal Fines: A New Era of Compassion in the Justice System

In a move that will benefit those who have fallen behind on their administrative and criminal fines, the Knesset has passed a bill in the second and third readings. Under the new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2025, the penalty for late payment of these fines will be reduced from 50% to 30% of the main amount of the fine. Additionally, interest will only be charged on the original debt every three months without compounding.

For example, a fine of 1,000 shekels that is not paid on time will increase to 1,420 shekels in a year, rather than 1,600 shekels under the previous regulations. This new law aims to provide relief for those who may struggle to make payments on time due to financial hardship or other circumstances. It is important to note that these new regulations will not go into effect until January 1, 2025.