Driving in Malta

💡 Local Driving Tips

• →Drive on the LEFT — Malta follows British-style left-hand traffic. Adjust before entering roundabouts.
• →Roads are narrow and sometimes poorly signposted outside of main routes. A GPS or offline map app is essential.
• →Valletta's city centre has very limited parking and restricted access zones. Use the Park and Ride at Floriana.
• →Roundabouts are common — traffic already on the roundabout has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.
• →Gozo (the second island) is reached by ferry from Cirkewwa — factor in ferry time and queues if driving there.
• →When an emergency vehicle approaches, pull to the left and stop to clear the road.

🗣️ Key Driving Words in Maltese

You may not speak the language, but knowing these words on road signs and at toll booths can save you from confusion — or a fine.

🚦 Speed Limits

Malta has no motorways. Urban limit is 50 km/h and rural is 80 km/h. Some rural roads are limited to 60 km/h.

💳 Toll Roads & Vignettes

No toll roads in Malta.

🪧 Road Signs to Know

While most European road signs follow international standards, these are the signs you are most likely to encounter — and the ones that catch tourists off guard.

Must-Know Signs

Country-Specific Signs

📷 Speed Cameras

Camera Types in Malta

• 📷Average speed cameras (SPECS) on major arterial roads
• 📷Fixed point cameras at specific junctions
• 📷Mobile units operated by Malta Police Force

Malta has introduced average speed cameras on several main roads between towns. These are harder to spot than fixed single-point cameras. Speed enforcement has increased significantly since 2020.

🅿️ Parking Signs & Zones

Understanding parking zones and road markings can save you a fine or a tow. Here is what each colour and sign means in Malta.

Parking Zones Explained

Road Line Colours

🗺️ Scenic Routes

• 🛣️ Victoria Lines Scenic Drive
• 🛣️ Marsaxlokk to Marsaskala Coastal Road
• 🛣️ Gozo Island Circuit