Driving in Malta isn’t difficult, but it is intense. The traffic is dense and the roads are narrow. Local driving is assertive, which surprises people who have only driven in northern Europe. None of it is dangerous once you expect it.
What driving here is like
Drive on the left
It is the same as the UK and Ireland. Roundabouts go clockwise and you give way to the right. Seatbelts are compulsory front and rear, and using a handheld phone at the wheel is an offence.
There’s a drink-drive limit and it’s enforced. Fixed speed cameras are common, well signed, and the fines arrive reliably.
Hiring a car hereCompare car hire
Lane discipline and indicators
Lane discipline on roundabouts is looser than you’ll be used to, and a fair number of drivers treat indicating as optional. Assume a car might change lane without warning and leave more room than feels necessary.
It isn’t aggression, it’s just the local rhythm. Drive defensively and you’ll be fine.
Know before you go
Streets are one car wide
Roads through the villages are narrow, frequently one car wide with cars parked both sides, and someone usually has to reverse. That’s normal here and it isn’t personal.
Rural lanes have rubble walls right at the edge and no margin for error. Take a small car and take your time.
Parking and the CVA
Rain after a dry spell is slippery
Malta gets little rain, so the roads carry months of oil and dust. The first heavy downpour after a dry spell makes the surface very slippery.
Low junctions and valley roads flood quickly. Road surfaces vary a lot. Main routes are good and secondary roads can be poor, and potholes after heavy rain are a hazard in a small hire car.
Weather and conditions
The rules in short
What you need to know
- Drive on the left
- As in the UK and Ireland. Roundabouts go clockwise and you give way to the right.
- Seatbelts and phones
- Seatbelts compulsory front and rear. Handheld phone use while driving is an offence.
- Alcohol
- Malta enforces a drink-drive limit and tests for it. Do not.
- Speed cameras
- Fixed cameras are common and well signed, and fines are issued reliably. Hire companies pass them on with an administration fee.
- Fuel
- Widely available. Many stations are automated outside working hours and take cards.
Speed limits, licence recognition and vehicle requirements are set by Transport Malta. Exchanging a foreign licence once you live here is covered under driving licence.