Motor vehicle Laws Malta
In Malta, motor vehicle laws are designed to ensure road safety and regulate traffic effectively. Key aspects include:
Driving Side and Licensing:
Traffic Flow: Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Driver's License: The minimum age to obtain a driver's license is 18 years. Valid licenses from EU member states are recognized. Licenses from Australia and Switzerland can be exchanged for a Maltese license.
Speed Limits:
Urban Areas: 50 km/h
Non-Urban Areas: 80 km/h
Note: Malta does not have expressways or motorways.
Seat Belts and Child Restraints:
- The use of seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems is mandatory for all passengers.
Alcohol Limits:
- The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Malta is the only EU country with a limit higher than 0.05%.
Mobile Phones:
- Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless a hands-free system is employed.
Vehicle Registration and Taxation:
- Vehicles must display a tax disc on the left-hand side of the windscreen, indicating valid insurance and a passed Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (VRT).
Road Signs and Markings:
- Malta follows international road signs and markings. Familiarity with these is essential for compliance and safety.
Emergency Procedures:
- In case of a breakdown, position your vehicle off the road if safe, place a warning triangle 50 meters behind the vehicle, and keep sidelights on in poor visibility.
Congestion Charges:
- While there are no toll roads, entering the capital city, Valletta, between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays requires payment of a congestion charge.
For comprehensive and updated information, refer to Malta's official Highway Code.
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