Car Hire in Malta
A short guide to Driving in Malta and Car Hire in Malta.
Are you going on holiday to Malta? To see as much as possible and to get the most out of Malta, the best way of transport is certainly by car. But of course you will have to abide by Malta's law of driving. Below you will find some useful information about driving in Malta.
Documents you need when driving in Malta
To drive a foreign registered car legally in Malta you must have the following documents with you, which are your full driving licence, vehicle registration document and certificate of motor insurance. Foreign visitors driving their own cars or locally hired or rented cars do not require having their licenses endorsed. However, it is advisable to have your driving license with you.
Special rules you must follow
When driving in Malta it is compulsory for all vehicles to have a Warning Triangle. For all passengers it is compulsory to wear front seatbelts and rear seatbelts if fitted. The police are able to issue and collect 'on the spot fines' for not obeying these rules.
Minimum age
The minimum age of a driver in Malta is 18 years. Minimum age to rent a car is 23yrs old. For children less than 12 years or under150cm are not allowed in front seats unless secured by either safety belts or with a safety approved car seat to sit in the front.
Parking
Parking in Malta is similar to Britain with car parks and parking meters. Malta has parking metres and machines that dispense parking tickets. Be aware as wheel clamping and car towing is now in use in most areas. Remember to observe parking restrictions, even if these are sometimes obscure.
A few basic rules
In Malta they drive on the left, overtake on the right; remember to pay full attention at roundabouts. Your driving licence and vehicle documents should be carried at all times. Be aware of all road signs and obey them.
Speed limits
Built-up areas: 40 kph (25 mph)
Major roads outside towns: 64 kph (40 mph)
Bus
There is a good local bus service, which operates from Valletta and Victoria (Gozo) to all towns.
Taxi
The taxis are Identifiable by their all-white livery. The taxis are under meter charge at government-controlled prices, but it is best to agree a price before departure.
Driving in Malta will be a pleasurable
experience as long as you remember you are in their country
and abide by their laws. Please remember it is not a good
enough excuse to plead ignorance, as you are a foreigner,
you are the driver and it's your responsibility to know the
law.