Driving Tips in Malta

Car Hire Depot information in Malta

DriveAway Holidays offer unbeatable rates and a wide range of vehicles with our suppliers in Malta. The suppliers are conveniently located at the Malta airport terminal. Malta’s airport is located 10 kilometres from the city, approximately 15 minutes drive.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Malta

• Luqa to Valetta – 7 kms (10 mins)
• Luqa to Bugibba – 15 kms (15 mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 years. An International licence is recommended for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Malta;

• Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Overtake on the right hand side of the road.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving, with the exception of a hands free system.
• Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers and driver.
• Dipped headlights are to be used during poor daylight visibility, and must be used at all times when driving in a tunnel.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

There are no requirements to carry in your vehicle any additional equipment, but is recommended that a warning triangle be kept in your vehicle and to be used at the event of an accident, incident or breakdown.

Child Safety Seats

Children under the age 3 years old must be seated in an appropriate child restraint. Children up to 10 years of age or under 150cm are to be seated in either a appropriate child restraint/booster seat or be wearing a seat belt.

Speed Limits

Below are the speed limits in Malta to use as a guide only, unless signed otherwise.

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 50km/h
• Elsewhere: 80km/h

Always maintain your speed to the environment and weather conditions.

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Malta is 0.08mg/100ml. Never drink and drive as there are serious consequences for motorists caught over the limit, not only that it can also affect your driving behaviour.

Tolls

No highway tolls exist in Malta.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Malta adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Malta are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs where motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information such as directions.

Parking

Street parking in major streets of Malta are generally timed and/or at a fee. A parking disc will need to be obtained from most petrol stations and be displayed on your front windscreen with the time of arrival. Fines apply for vehicles exceeding the limit, or illegally parked.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Malta;

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Consulate of Malta in your local state for special visa's or stays exceeding 90 days.
• A valid passport is required.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 2 June 2010