Tram Fine: How to Appeal a Penalty for Fare Evasion

The Core Issue

If you have received a fine for fare evasion on the light rail and believe it to be unjust, you have the right to appeal it. This guide explains how to file an appeal with the special committee of the Ministry of Transport after the light rail operator itself (e.g., CityPass in Jerusalem or Dan in Tel Aviv) has already denied your request to cancel the fine.

Who is Eligible?

Any passenger who meets the following criteria may file an appeal with the higher authority:

• Received a fine (“tarif mugdal”) on the light rail.
• First submitted an appeal directly to the light rail operator and received a written denial.
• Is certain that the fine was issued in error.

Common grounds for appeal:

• The ticket validation machine was not working, and you were unable to validate your ride.
• You had a valid travel pass (e.g., a monthly “hofshi hodshi”), but the inspector did not see it.
• There was a malfunction in the payment application or with the “Rav-Kav” card.

Who is not eligible to appeal:

• Passengers who admit they did not have a ticket and did not attempt to pay for one.
• Passengers who have missed the deadline for filing an appeal after receiving a denial from the operator.

Your Rights

Your primary right is to have your case reviewed by an independent appeals committee at the Ministry of Transport. If successful, the committee can cancel your fine in its entirety. The fine amount is typically 180 shekels in addition to the cost of the ride itself.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Obtain a written denial. Following your initial complaint, the light rail operator must send you an official letter denying the cancellation of the fine. Retain this document, as it is the basis for the next step.
2. Write an appeal letter (“irur”). Prepare a formal submission to the appeals committee. In the letter, clearly and politely state:
   • Your full details: Full Name, Teudat Zehut number, address, phone number.
   • The fine number and the date it was issued.
   • A detailed description of the incident: why you believe the fine is unjust.
   • Arguments explaining why you disagree with the operator's denial.
   • Your request: “I request the cancellation of fine number...”.
3. Gather evidence. Attach all possible evidence supporting your case to the letter (see the “Document Checklist” section).
4. Submit the appeal. Send your letter and all documents to the appeals committee. The mailing address must be specified in the denial letter you received from the light rail operator. This can usually be done by registered mail.
5. Await the decision. The committee will review your submission and make a decision. You will be notified of the outcome by mail. This process can take from several weeks to several months.

Document Checklist

Assemble a complete set of documents to make your appeal as convincing as possible.

• A copy of the fine itself.
• A copy of your identity card (Teudat Zehut).
• The original or a copy of the written denial from the light rail operator.
• Your appeal letter (see step 2 in the guide).
• Copies of evidence:
  • A printout of your “Rav-Kav” card's travel history, if it proves you had a valid pass.
  • A screenshot from the application if the payment failed due to a malfunction.
  • A photo or video of the non-functional validation machine, if you were able to take one.
  • Any other documents that support your case.

Potential Pitfalls

• Deadlines! You have a strictly limited time to file an appeal after receiving the denial from the operator (usually 30 days). The exact deadline is specified in the denial letter. Missing it will result in the loss of your right to appeal.
• The burden of proof is on you. You must provide convincing evidence that the fine was issued in error. Your word alone may not be sufficient.
• Do not ignore the fine. While the appeal process is underway, the payment of the fine is suspended. However, if you simply ignore it, the amount will begin to accrue interest, and the case may be transferred to the collection agency (“Hotsa'a LaPo'al”).
• Keep copies. Be sure to make copies of all documents you send and retain the receipt for the registered mail.

Contacts and Links

Important: All necessary contacts, addresses, and links for submitting an appeal must be specified in the official denial letter you received from the light rail operator, or on the official website of the Ministry of Transport. Do not use unofficial sources or third-party websites to file your appeal.

Glossary