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Home » Driving tips

DRIVING IN MALTA

Reflecting its long association with Britain, in Malta vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road

Malta is a reassuringly familiar destination for British holidaymakers. Two centuries of British influence has left an enduring mark on Maltese culture, and also its driving habits. Not only does the island drive on the left, it retains plenty of familiar street furniture -including red telephone and pillar boxes - and there are a surprising number of 1960s British cars still on the road. However, the enthusiastic driving style owes more to Mediterranean than British influences (locals joke that they don't drive on the left or right, but in the shade).

Busy roads

Malta is a small island with a large number of cars and roads can get congested, particularly along the coast roads at weekends and in Valetta during rush hours. A short car ferry ride connects Malta with the neighbouring island of Gozo.

Regulations

The Maltese Highway Code looks very similar to the British one. Differences to watch out for include the speed limits (see Fact File) and rules on giving way on narrow roads: the driver nearest to the wider section of road must by law reverse to give way. On a hill vehicles going uphill have priority over those coming down.

In tunnels you must switch on your headlights and stay in lane. Take care when parking as Malta has introduced zones where illegally-parked cars will be wheelclamped or towed away. These zones should be clearly marked with signs.

In the event of an accident you must inform the police and not move any of the vehicles concerned until they have arrived.

Fuel stations

Filling up on a Saturday can be a good idea as many fuel stations close on Sundays and public holidays (although some have automatic pumps for use out of hours).

Speed limits

Urban

Open road

Motorway

Car

50 kph

80 kph

-

Towing

50 kph

80 kph

-

Traffic regulations

Essential equipment

Warning triangle recommended

Minimum driving age

18 years

Drink-drive limit

80mg alcohol per 100ml blood

Child in front seat

Up to 3 years must use restraint

Seat Belt

Compulsory in front and rear seats

Motorcyclists

Must wear crash helmet

Emergency telephone numbers

Police

191

Fire

199

Ambulance

196

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

Order from www.haynes.co.uk