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.
Driving offences are regulated under the Traffic Regulation Ordinance . A summary of the driving offences and their respective fines can be found here. Furthermore, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licenses) Regulations provide that new drivers who pass their driving tests shall be granted a probationary driving licence valid for 3 calendar years, subject to a penalty point system. (as from the 1st December 2017, this penalty point system is applicable to all holders of full driving licences.)
Click the below links to obtain further information on the:
One can also view, pay and appeal (lodge a petition) about one's fines online. Additionally, one can also check the contraventions for which s/he has been imposed penalty points, online.
CONTROLLED VEHICULAR ACCESS (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. More details can be obtained from here.
BUYING A MOTOR VEHICLE
First time buy? Replacing your car? Need another car? For whatever reason you are getting a car, you need to first, set a budget to how much you are willing and able to spend. Decide on whether you want a new or used car. If you need to take a loan to purchase your new or used car, go check how much the bank is willing to loan you and make sure you are able to sustain the repayments.
After you have set your budget, you need to decide on what car is suitable for you. Make sure that you identify the cars that are most appropriate for your needs. If you are buying a used car, ensure that this has been thoroughly checked for any defects or mechanical problems. If the car you are buying is locally registered, you may consult the vehicle details and any other pending fees here. Due to data protection on the car owners, you will be required to enter specific details which need to be provided to you by the person selling the car.
When buying a car through a car reseller or a dealer. you will probably be advised of all the costs involved in your purchase. If not, make sure to ask exactly all the costs involved. If you are buying the car yourself, check out the Vehicle Valuation and do not forget that you will also need to have an obligatory car insurance.
REGISTERING A USED VEHICLE
All new or used vehicles imported into Malta by a Maltese resident must be registered and licensed with the Authority for Transport in Malta and all applicable registration tax fees must be paid.
In the case of new or used vehicle being imported from a non-EU country, the registering owner must sign in with his eID in the portal https://ereg.gov.mt/. Following a successful sign in, the owner will be prompted with a section - Register Vehicle and s/he can proceed to fill in the applicable fields.
In order to process, this online application the vehicle owner must have in his possession the original Certificate of Conformity (COC) for new vehicles whilst the registration certificate for used vehicles.
The approximate time to fill in the online form
usually takes approximately twenty (20) minutes. On submission, the
user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. Upon completion of
the vetting and validation process by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Unit,
which usually takes approximately thirty (30) working days to complete, the user
will be informed that the application has been approved or rejected. Following
approval, within thirty (30) days, the grant will be issued
If a vehicle has been already registered in another country, it is considered as used, unless such vehicle is less than 6 months old from date of first registration or has less than 6000km on odometer - in such cases, 18% VAT on CIF value is applicable (will be due like a new vehicle but registration tax is calculated like that of a used vehicle).
In the case of vehicles imported from a non-EU country, Customs charges will apply (duty tax and applicable VAT on duty tax). Prospective registering owners are advised to check with the Customs regarding fees applicable. In cases wherein VAT was already charged at point of origin/first-registered country, Transport Malta will charge VAT at an 18% rate.
Registration tax for used vehicles may be calculated and obtained online from the following site: www.valuation.vehicleregistration.gov.mt by accessing the relevant option between Motor Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles or Motorcycles. The registration tax payable is subject to length, emissions and mileage. Electric vehicles are not charged registration tax.
Registering owners may not use and drive such vehicles with foreign plates unless they submit an application for a 30-day permit together a valid insurance certificate, notice of arrival, foreign registration certificate (logbook) and a VEH 64 application form. A payment of €20.00 is applicable, and a temporary road license disc for a period of 30 days will be issued to be affixed on such vehicle.
Where a person, who is not an authorized dealer, fails, for unjustified reason, to comply with the preceding sub-regulation, he or she is liable to an administrative fine of €30.00 for each day that same vehicle remains not registered on the expiry of the 30 day (thirty) period as stated in the Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Cap 368) Article 21(4).
APPLYING FOR A GRANT SCHEME FOR THE PURCHASE OF ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY VEHICLES
The scheme for the purchase of environment-friendly vehicles is intended to promote the purchase of category M1 vehicles (passenger cars) having low emissions, including mild-hybrid vehicles. This also includes a scrappage scheme. Its overall aim is to replace used vehicles with high emissions with new vehicles which have low CO2 emissions, in order to reduce the emissions generated by the Transport Sector. This scheme is available to:
- Individuals;
- Registered Voluntary Organisations (NGOs).
For more information on such schemes, click here.
The approximate time to fill in the online form should take approximately twenty (20) minutes. On submission, the user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. Upon completion of the vetting and validation process, which usually takes approximately thirty (30) working days to complete, the user will be informed that the application has been approved or rejected. Following approval, within thirty (30) days the grant will be issued.
APPLYING FOR A GRANT SCHEME FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICAL VEHICLES AND PLUG-IN HYBRIDS
The scheme for the purchase of electrical and hydrogen vehicles is intended to promote the purchase of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Range Extender Electric Vehicles in categories M1, M2, M3, N1 and N2. This also includes a scrappage scheme. Its overall aim is to replace existing conventional vehicles using Internal Combustion Engines with new Electric Vehicles in order to reduce the emissions generated by the Transport Sector. This scheme is available to:
- Individuals;
- Registered Companies and Partnerships;
- Local Councils;
- Registered Voluntary Organisations (NGOs);
- Self-Employed, and
- Cooperatives.
For more information on such schemes, click here. To fill in the online form click here
The approximate time to fill in the online form usually takes approximately twenty (20) minutes. On submission, the user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. Upon completion of the vetting and validation process by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Unit, which usually takes approximately thirty (30) working days to complete, the user will be informed that the application has been approved or rejected. Following approval, within thirty (30) days, the grant will be issued
APPLYING FOR A GRANT SCHEME FOR THE PURCHASE OF PEDELECS AND CATEGORY L VEHICLES
The scheme for the purchase of pedelecs and category L vehicles is intended to promote the use of small vehicles for urban mobility, with a special focus on Electric Vehicles. This also includes a scrappage scheme. Its overall aim is to replace existing conventional vehicles using Internal Combustion Engines with small vehicles (particularly electric vehicles) to reduce the emissions generated by the Transport Sector. This scheme is available to:
- Individuals;
- Registered Companies and Partnerships;
- Local Councils;
- Registered Voluntary Organisations (NGOs);
- Self-Employed; and
- Cooperatives.
For more information on such schemes, click here. To fill in the online form click here.
The approximate time to fill in the online form usually takes approximately twenty (20) minutes. On submission, the user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. Upon completion of the vetting and validation process by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Unit, which usually takes approximately thirty (30) working days to complete, the user will be informed that the application has been approved or rejected. Following approval, within thirty (30) days, the grant will be issued.
PERMITS AND ROAD LICENSES
APPLICATION FOR BLUE BADGE CARD HOLDERS PARKING PAYS
This application form is used by a citizen or a local council to apply for communal reserved parking for blue-badged holders. There are no costs involved for the citizen to apply for this service. The application can be filled online by clicking here.
The approximate time to fill in the online form should take approximately five (5) minutes to eight (8) minutes. On submission, the user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. The vetting and validation of documents takes approximately thirty (30) days from application submission. Upon completion of the vetting and validation process, the service delivery process starts, and the parking bay is provided within thirty (30) days following the validation process.
APPLICATION FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PARKING BAYS
This application form is used by the Local Councils and other Entities to apply for Alighting/Boarding Parking Bays, Coastal Areas, Electric Vehicle (EV) Bays, General on Street Parking Bays, Keep Clear Parking Bays, Non-Motorised Vehicles, Prohibitions, Reserved Parking Bays and Un/Loading Parking Bays. There are no costs involved for the citizen to apply for this service. The application can be filled online by clicking here.
The approximate time to fill in the online form should take approximately five (5) minutes to eight (8) minutes. On submission, the user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. The vetting and validation of documents takes approximately thirty (30) days from application submission. Upon completion of the vetting and validation process, the service delivery process starts, and the parking bay is provided within thirty (30) days following the validation process.
MOTOR VEHICLE ROAD LICENCE
Vehicle licence must be renewed annually. If no changes are to be affected during the renewal, this transaction can be processed from the insurance offices directly together with the renewal of insurance policy.
Licence is calculated on the year of make of vehicle and engine power or co2 for light passenger vehicles or gross vehicle weight for commercial vehicles. One can visit Transport Malta website to renew his vehicle licence online by clicking on this link.
The approximate time to fill in the online form should take approximately five (5) minutes. On submission, the user will receive a system generated acknowledgement email. Upon completion of the process, the licence disc will be posted within three (3) working days.
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 TEST
The aim of the Vehicle Roadworthiness Test is to ensure that vehicles over a certain age are periodically checked to confirm that they are in a roadworthy condition. Vehicles are inspected at a VRT station licenced by Transport Malta using specialised equipment. Inspections are only valid if they are carried out by licenced VRT stations. The test result of your vehicle will be automatically sent from the VRT station to Transport Malta. Information on VRT fees and frequencies of tests are detailed in the Eighth Schedule to the Motor Vehicle Roadworthiness Test Regulations, which can be accessed from here. To obtain the list of the licensed VRT Stations, click here.
Check your Licence Disc or its receipt to know whether your vehicle is due for a VRT. Alternatively you may check online or subscribe for mobile notifications.
SERVICING YOUR MOTOR 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.
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.
It is important to exchange vital information between parties such as the name, address, phone and licence numbers. Record the details of the accident while they are still fresh in your mind.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAR IS STOLEN OR THERE IS A HIT AND RUN
Found damages on your car? Look around your location to check if other cars have been hit or if there might be someone who saw the accident happening. If there are other cars that seem to have been damaged or if someone saw something, make sure to take all the information possible and a contact number, just in case you or the Police may need to contact them after. Also, take note of the street name and locality where the accident happened. Remember that every piece of information may be useful for the police to identify the culprit. It is also ideal if you can take photos of the car exactly as you found it and the surrounding area.
After noting all the possible details, go straight to a Police Station (take your ID card or Driver's Licence with you). If you know who might have done the damages, do not attempt to confront them. The person responsible has committed an offence and it is the police who will take the necessary actions.
When you arrive at a Police Station, the officer will take all the necessary details of your vehicle, where the accident happened, the damage sustained to your vehicle and any other relevant information. A police report will then be filed and the police will investigate. From your end, depending on how you are insured you may want to claim at your insurer.
Your car has been stolen? What should you do…Try not to panic… Make sure that you haven't parked your car somewhere else. Sometimes your car may be parked just a few streets away. If you're sure that your car was parked in the location you're at, ensure that you weren't parked in a tow zone area. If you think that your car has been towed, call the local Police Station and they will advise you if your car has been towed.
If your car hasn't been towed either, then your car has probably been stolen. Look around you to see if there might be someone who saw something. If yes, make sure to take all the information possible and a contact number, just in case you or the Police may need to contact them after. Also, take note of the street name and locality where the car was stolen. Remember that every piece of information may be useful for the police to identify the culprit.
After noting all the possible details, go straight to a Police Station (take your ID card or Driver's Licence with you). If you know who might have stolen your car, do not attempt to confront them. The person responsible has committed an offence and it is the police who will take the necessary actions.
When you arrive at a Police Station, the officer will take all the necessary details of your vehicle, where the car was stolen and any other relevant information you may have. A police report will then be filed and the police will investigate. From your end, you will need to take the police report to your insurer to initiate the process of compensation.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
If you have any condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you are bound by law to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Unit (DVLU). If you have a vehicle 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, hence, and pre-existing medical condition that you are aware of must be declared and followed up with the Authority.
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.
Support, Help and Giving Feedback
Customer satisfaction is key to quality and performance and so your feedback is highly encouraged to act on the suggestions received. Whether you are a Maltese or a non-Maltese National and would like any further assistance, provide feedback, submit a complaint, or give your opinion on the services provided by Transport Malta, you may get in touch by using the contact details provided on the right or
by filling in the electronic form here. Requests sent under the "Data Protection" category
are sent directly to the Data Protection Office within the Authority.
Whenever complaints, support requests, or other enquiries are submitted,
Transport Malta will take note of it and aims to respond to the customer within
6 working days. This also includes enquiries submitted using the electronic
form referenced above.
Transport Malta has also embraced social media, with a view to keep the public aware and informed. This Facebook page is a page officially endorsed by Transport Malta. Should you require any further assistance or would like to share your experience on the services provided, one may do so by using the Facebook chat send message facility and a representative will be happy to assist you instantly via a live messenger chat.
