Country requirements · Malta
Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Malta?
Short answer
Malta doesn't legally require it, but a certified IDP translation — carried with your original licence — is what rental desks and traffic police actually look for when your licence isn't in the Roman alphabet, so most travellers get one anyway. Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule; visitors can use a valid foreign licence, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders. It is prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format that Malta recognises. At rental desks operated by Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Avis and Sixt, a valid IDP is a standard counter requirement for foreign licences; arriving without one can mean a refused booking or a lost deposit. Malta drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 18+, with a young-driver surcharge usually applied under 25.
Sourced from the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna Conventions and rental-network policies
Malta at a glance
IDPRecommended
Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna
Minimum age to rent18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drive on theLeft-hand side
Carry alongsideYour national licence + passport
CurrencyEUR
Top speed limit80 km/h open roads (no motorways)
Emergency number112
Driving in Malta
What the rules require
When do you need an IDP in Malta?
Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule; visitors can use a valid foreign licence, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Does renting a car in Malta require an IDP?
An IDP helps non-EU and non-Latin-script drivers at Maltese desks. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.
Driving rules in Malta you should know
- Drive on the left.
- Seatbelts mandatory; phone use banned.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Narrow roads and aggressive local driving.
How long is an IDP valid in Malta?
Malta honours both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention formats. A 1949-format IDP is valid for up to 1 year; a 1968-format IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires. If you travel regularly, the validity clock starts on the issue date, not on first use — so order close to your departure to maximise usable time.
Documents checklist for driving in Malta
- Your original national driving licence — the IDP is a translation and is never valid on its own.
- Your International Driving Permit, in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format Malta uses.
- Your passport or accepted national ID for police checks and rental pick-up.
- For rentals: the credit card used for the booking and your rental agreement (it covers the registration and insurance papers).
- Local currency or a card for road costs — Malta uses the EUR.
Driving in Malta: the practical detail
Sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that actually catch foreign drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
Visitors may drive on a valid home licence (EU or otherwise) for up to 12 months from arrival; no IDP is needed for short tourist stays, though one is useful if your licence is non-Latin. You must be at least 18 and have held the licence for at least one year.
Tolls & road charges
Malta has no toll motorways. The only road-use charge is the Valletta CVA congestion fee inside the walled city, roughly EUR 0.82/hour (first 30 minutes free) weekdays 08:00-18:00, billed automatically by plate.
Parking in the cities
Curb colours govern parking: white means free public, blue is residents-only 18:00-08:00, green is residents-only 24h, and yellow means no parking. Paid meters give 1-2 hours; illegally parked cars risk clamping or towing by LESA wardens.
Winter & seasonal rules
No winter-tyre rules - Mediterranean climate; snow and ice essentially never occur.
Fuel & filling up
Stations sell unleaded petrol (95/98) and diesel, mostly self-service and card-accepting, with some unattended pumps after hours. Prices are regulated, typically around EUR 1.40-1.70 per litre.
If you have an accident
Call 112 for police and ambulance. Do not move the vehicles until police arrive if there are injuries or a dispute; a police report is needed for any insurance claim, and rental firms require it.
Driving in the capital
Driving is on the LEFT (a former British colony), which surprises many continental visitors. Valletta's narrow one-way grid sits inside the CVA charging zone, and the Regional Road/Marsa junctions are notoriously congested.
Fines & enforcement
Camera and LESA radar speeding fines are about EUR 34.94 for up to 15 km/h over and EUR 74.94 above that; mobile-phone and seatbelt offences also carry fixed penalties. Rental firms pass camera fines to the renter, often with an admin fee.
A drive worth taking
The coastal drive along Dingli Cliffs, Malta's highest point, offers dramatic clifftop Mediterranean views.
Sources: autoeurope.co.uk · cva.gov.mt · tollguru.com · pulizija.gov.mt
Malta · common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Malta?
An International Driving Permit is recommended but not strictly mandatory for driving in Malta on a foreign licence, and it is most useful when your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule; visitors can use a valid foreign licence, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders. Your IDP is prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format that Malta recognises. Rental companies at major agencies frequently request one, so having it eliminates uncertainty at the counter and smooths roadside checks.
02
Which IDP format does Malta accept, and how long is it valid?
Malta honours both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention formats. A 1949-format IDP is valid for up to 1 year; a 1968-format IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires. The format matters because some countries are signatories to only one convention, meaning an IDP in the wrong format may not be recognized. International Driver Licence prepares your permit in the exact booklet format that Malta requires, eliminating any ambiguity at rental desks or police checks. Remember that the validity period begins on the issue date, not when you first arrive in the country — this is critical for trip planning, especially if you're traveling across multiple countries over several weeks. Plan your order timing carefully to ensure your permit remains valid throughout your intended driving period in Malta.
03
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Malta?
Yes, an IDP is highly recommended when renting a car in Malta. An IDP helps non-EU and non-Latin-script drivers at Maltese desks. Most major rental chains — including Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Sixt and Alamo — list a valid International Driving Permit as a standard counter requirement for foreign licences, especially those not printed in English. The minimum rental age in Malta is typically 18+, and most agencies apply a young-driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Arriving without your IDP can result in a refused booking, a held security deposit, or being forced to pay inflated rates for a last-minute local driver upgrade. Always bring your IDP, your original national licence, your passport and the credit card used for the booking — having all documents ready significantly reduces friction at pick-up.
04
Which side of the road does Malta drive on?
Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road. Drive on the left. This is one of the most crucial adjustments for international drivers — muscle memory from your home country can lead to serious errors if you're suddenly on the opposite side. Pay special attention when turning left or right, overtaking, and using roundabouts, as these manoeuvres feel unintuitive when reversed. Rental companies often include brief driving-side orientation tips in their contract, but it's worth spending the first 10–15 minutes on quiet roads to acclimatize. Many foreign drivers who cause accidents in Malta do so within the first few hours due to this disorientation, so allow extra time and heightened alertness until the adjustment becomes automatic.
05
What is the drink-driving limit in Malta?
0.05% alcohol limit. Penalties for exceeding the limit as a foreign driver in Malta are severe and enforced rigorously. On-the-spot fines commonly reach several hundred euros or the local equivalent, and vehicle impoundment can occur immediately — your rental insurance is often invalidated if you test positive, leaving you personally liable for tow and storage costs. Some countries impose driving bans that extend into subsequent years, complicating future visits. Police in Malta conduct random breath tests at checkpoints and after minor incidents, so even a single drink significantly raises your risk. The safest rule is simple: do not drive after consuming any alcohol. Use taxis, ride-shares, or designated-driver services instead; the cost is trivial compared to fines, insurance claims and legal troubles.
06
What is the speed limit in Malta?
The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in Malta is 80 km/h open roads (no motorways). However, limits drop significantly in built-up areas, residential zones and on secondary roads — always observe posted signs as they take absolute precedence over general limits. Speed enforcement in Malta relies on fixed cameras, mobile radar units and plainclothes patrols that target foreign drivers, and fines are often steep. Critically, fines charged to foreign drivers typically arrive weeks later through your rental company as an administrative fee, sometimes inflated with handling charges, so you may not realize you were caught speeding until after your trip ends. Modern rental cars often display speed limits automatically on the dashboard — reference this feature continuously. Exceeding the limit by just 10–20 km/h can trigger automatic fines, so maintain consistent compliance and allow extra time for your journey.
07
What is the emergency number in Malta?
Dial 112 in Malta for police, fire or medical emergencies. From any GSM mobile phone, 112 also connects to local emergency services in most countries even without a local SIM card or active service plan. After an accident, remain at the scene and secure it immediately — place your warning triangle at least 50 metres behind your vehicle (30 metres on motorways). Turn on hazard lights and move yourself and passengers to a safe location away from traffic. Notify your rental company without delay before attempting any repairs; most rental agreements require this, and proceeding otherwise may void insurance coverage. Exchange contact and insurance details with other parties involved, take photos of the damage, and request a police report if injuries occurred or if the accident is disputed. Do not admit liability or sign documents you don't understand; let your rental company's local legal team handle communications.
08
What documents should I carry while driving in Malta?
Always carry your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, and your passport or national ID card (police may request ID during routine checks). For rental vehicles, bring the rental agreement itself, as it functions as proof of insurance and authorization — keep it easily accessible. Malta uses the EUR, so carry local currency or a credit card; many rural petrol stations and toll booths still accept cash only. Some drivers also carry a second colour photocopy of their licence and IDP, stored separately from the originals in case of loss. Do not be tempted to drive without these documents — police in Malta conduct random document checks, especially at borders and motorway rest areas, and fines for missing documentation can be substantial. Present your original licence together with the IDP — showing only the IDP will result in a citation. Keep all documents in a small travel organizer within arm's reach, not in the boot.
09
Is an IDP the same as a driver's licence in Malta?
No — an IDP is fundamentally different from a driver's licence. It is a certified multilingual translation of your existing national licence prepared in the United Nations convention format (either 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna). An IDP does not grant any driving privileges by itself and holds no legal validity unless presented together with your original, valid national licence. Think of it as a document that helps local authorities, police, and rental staff understand your credentials when your home licence is difficult to verify. Some countries, including the United States, issue official government IDPs only through authorized bodies such as AAA and AATA. International Driver Licence is a reputable certified service provider, but its translation is not a substitute for a government-issued IDP where one is legally required in your home country. If you're unsure whether a government IDP is mandatory before departure, check your national motor authority's website before ordering a translation service IDP.
10
How long does it take to get an IDP for Malta?
With International Driver Licence, you receive your digital IDP by email in as fast as 8 minutes after your application is approved — this makes it possible to order even while you're at the airport or at the rental counter. Your permit arrives as a printable 16-page convention-format PDF booklet in the exact format that Malta recognizes, plus a wallet-sized card that includes a QR code for instant online verification by authorities or rental staff. This digital-first approach eliminates the delays of traditional postal mail and gives you instant access to your documents on your smartphone, making it practical for last-minute trips or as a backup if you misplace a printed copy. Print the PDF on standard white paper — no special materials are required. The entire permit package fits standard wallets, and having a digital backup on your phone ensures you're never caught without proof of your credentials, even if your documents are lost or damaged during travel.
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