Road Transportation in Malta

Malta is a small country, but it has a very developed and an extensive infrastructure. The country’s main transportation routes are on land, but maritime and air transports also play an important role being used for trade services.

General rules for road transportation in Malta

Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road in Malta, like in the United Kingdom and both drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt. If involved in an accident without injured people, drivers do not need to contact the police, but a bumper to bumper form must be filled. According to the Control Vehicular Access (CVA) system, when entering Valletta, an access fee must be paid.

Maltese vehicles must have an insurance, registered plates and a valid road license that must be appended on windshield of the car. All vehicles must be registered with Transport Malta, according to the Motor Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act.

Malta has an extended legislation covering transportation. The Transportation Law includes provisions about land, air and maritime transportation and also about the main authority issuing special licenses for both citizens and companies involved in such activities. Among the laws governing transportation in Malta are:

• the Authority for Transport in Malta Act;

• the Ports Regulations;

• the Air Navigation Order;

• the Civil Aviation Act;

• the Commercial Vessels Regulations;

• the Road Regulations Act.

Our Maltese lawyers can offer more information on the main laws governing transportation, in accordance with the clients’ needs.

Land transportation laws in Malta

Even if maritime and air transportation are some of the most important ways of transporting goods employed by Maltese companies, the country also has a developed road infrastructure which is used for both commercial and civil transportation purposes.

No matter the type of vehicle used, one needs a driving license in order to drive a vehicle in Malta. Foreign citizens of EU states can use their valid home country-issued licenses when driving in Malta. However, when it comes to the transportation of goods or passengers, the law is stricter and requires specific licenses to be obtained with the relevant authorities. The Maltese Transportation Law also provides for roadworthiness tests to be undertaken on a regular basis.

Licenses to be obtained under the Malta transportation laws

The main authorities issuing driving licenses and other transportation licenses in Malta is the Authority of Transport, which was established in 2009, under the new law with the same name. As mentioned above, transport regulations imply obtaining various licenses, especially when vehicles are used for commercial purposes by Maltese companies. Among these licenses are:

• the road license;

• the license for driving taxi cars;

• the license for carrying dangerous goods;

• a professional driver’s license for those involved in passenger transporting.

The Maltese driver’s license

In order to drive a vehicle in Malta, a person requires a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit obtained with the Transport Malta. One person must be 18 years old in order to have a driver’s license. Persons from EU member states are allowed to use their driver’s license in Malta, if the permit is valid. Australian or Swiss drivers’ licenses can be replaced with Maltese drivers’ licenses.

The Maltese driver’s license comprises two documents: the photo card and the counterpart driving license. On the photo card part the driver’s picture, address, signature, driving permissions and code are displayed, while on the counterpart relevant information about the driver’s license holder are revealed along with the same details on the photo card.

Replacing a foreign driver’s license in Malta

Foreigners with driving licenses issued outside Malta have the right to exchange their permits within one year from their arrival in Malta. The replacement of a foreign driver’s license issued in a non-European country for a Maltese driver’s permit is done if the person requesting the license has lived in Malta for minimum 185 days in the last year and must follow the next protocol:

- applications will be submitted with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Units in Floriana or Gozo;

- application forms for the exchange of EU, EEA and Swiss drivers’ licenses are available separately from application forms for Australian drivers’ permits;

- a colored passport-sized photo must be provided;

- a copy of the identity card;

- a copy of the foreign driver’s license.

The Maltese authorities will then contact the competent authorities in the country where the foreign driver’s license was issued and verify the applicant and if any restrictions apply. If no problems are encountered, the authorities in Malta will issue a letter for the exchange of the driving license. The driver’s license holder must present the original driver’s permit, a proof of fee payments and for Australian drivers a document stating the validity of the license is required.

If you want details about road transportation laws, you can contact our law firm in Malta.