DRIVING IN MALTA
Since there are no major motorways in Malta, driving on the Island is similar to many other European cities. In the past years a lot of work has been done to improve the infrastructure. In fact, much has been done to improve road safety awareness and its infrastructure.
Being an ex-British colony, the Maltese drive on the left. It’s best to always keep a map to hand because, since there are no major motorways, you can often reach your destination through a number of different routes.
The Highway Code
The Highway Code is the official road user guide for Malta. In it you’ll find all the rules you need to follow while driving in Malta such as speed limits, driving in slow moving traffic and stopping and parking. The Highway Code is available from either the Transport Malta Offices or from the Theory Test Centre in Guardamangia. It is also available online.
Law Enforcements and Contraventions
Local Councils, Warden Services Contractors, Service Providers and Enforcement Officers are all linked by means of the Law Enforcement System. Together they help keep the roads as safe as possible.
You can view and pay your fines online.
CVA
In order to regulate the traffic flow into the capital city, Valletta, the Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) system was set up in 2007. Unless you are a Valletta resident or have a business based in the capital city, you have to pay a small fee for driving and parking here. The CVA system photographs your number plate and calculates the length of your stay. You then receive a bill at home.
Registering and licensing of new and used motor vehicles
All new and used motor vehicles need to be registered with Transport Malta at Homeworks Ditch in Floriana.
If you’re buying a new vehicle, the car dealer will do this through this website. If you drive a certain type of vehicle, like a taxi or a chauffeur-driven car, or carry goods in your car, you will need special documentation.
If you have bought a used vehicle you will need to make an appointment with Transport Malta following which you will take the vehicle to Technical Unit of the Land Transport Directorate in Floriana. Documents such as the logbook and a printout of the Vehicle Registration Value will need to be supplied.
You can find all the detailed information you need about the registering and licensing of new and used vehicles here.
Registering a used vehicle brought into Malta from an EU Member State
To register a vehicle brought into Malta from an EU Member State you need to follow these four steps:
- Visit www.vehicleregistration.gov.mt to obtain the value of the registration tax due
- Book an appointment with Transport Malta on 2123 3029.
- Take your vehicle to the Lands Directorate, Technical Unit, Hornworks Ditch, Floriana on the day of your appointment.
- Present the required documents.
Vehicle Road Licence
The authorisation for your vehicle to be on the road is the Vehicle Road Licence. This is a document that shows the registration number and date up to which the licence is valid. It must be displayed on the left-hand side of the windscreen.
Driving Licence
To learn more about getting a Driving Licence in Malta click here.
Licence Plates
All registered cars in Malta have standard EU Licence Plates with three letters followed by three numbers. Non-personalised number plates cost €70, while personalised number plates cost €200. For detailed information about Licence Plates, click here.
Car Insurance
For information about Car Insurance in Malta you may visit the list of approved insurers here.
VRT
The aim of the Vehicle Roadworthy Test is to ensure that vehicles over a certain age are checked at least once a year to confirm they are in a roadworthy condition. Vehicles are inspected at a VRT station using specialised equipment.
Check your Licence Disc or its receipt to know whether your vehicle is due for a VRT. For full details about the VRT, click here.
Approved VRT Testing Stations
For a list of all the approved VRT Testing Stations in Malta, click here.
Servicing your Vehicles
It is important to service your vehicle to make sure it is roadworthy, safe to drive and not a hazard to others. The manufacturer of your car conducts routine services. These vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the type of vehicle and engine. You can usually find out what service your vehicle requires in the owner’s manual.
For more information about maintaining your vehicle, click here.
CAR ACCIDENTS
If you’ve had a car accident, stop driving.
If it is a front to rear collision ‘bumper to bumper’, fill in the relevant form at the scene of the accident. The forms are available from your insurer or insurance intermediary.
If there are casualties, call an ambulance. If there are injured people, if government property is involved or if the accident is not front to rear, call the police. Do not admit fault with anyone other than the police.
Exchange vital information – name, address, phone and licence numbers. Record the details of the accident while they are still fresh in your mind.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
If you have any condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you are bound by law to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA). If you have a car accident and it is found that your health condition was a contributing factor, you may be prosecuted and your insurance may not be able to cover you.
CYCLING IN MALTA
The Maltese Authorities have invested heavily to make cycling in Malta safer. There are a number of cycle lanes on popular routes though secondary streets with relatively low traffic, though major roads may still need to be used. Traffic is on the left and there are a number of ‘bicycle-shaped’ parking stands throughout Malta.
For more information about cycling in Malta,
click here.