So you’ve decided that your life in Malta would be a lot easier if you could drive your own vehicle? Great! Buying and owning a car in Malta can seem like quite a complicated proposition at first, but with a bit of thought it needn’t be so difficult.
First of all, it’s time to think about a budget. You should decide early on if you want a new car, or if you’d be happy to drive a used vehicle. If you can afford your car on your own, that’s great, but if not, then you’ll have to get down to the bank and see if they’ll be willing to make you a loan.
Now it’s time to find your perfect car! Of course, everybody has their own particular needs, so we can’t advise you on your ideal vehicle – that’s something you’ll need to figure out for yourself. Keep your options open, and if you’re looking at a used car, check first that it has been completely vetted for mechanical problems or defects. If you’re purchasing a locally registered car, then check the vehicle details to see if you’ll have any fees to pay.
A reputable car dealer should be able to talk you through all the costs and fees that are involved in your purchase. Check, though – don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure that your dealer is being completely honest with you. You can also ask the dealer for a test drive. If however, you’re not going through a dealer, then look at the Vehicle Valuation website, which should give you an idea of your vehicle’s market value. Remember, when you’re calculating your price, you’ll need to take out car insurance, too – an extra cost.
How to register your vehicle
Transport Malta, which you can find at Homeworks Ditch in Floriana, is the relevant body for registering all motor vehicles in the country. Note that certain vehicles – taxis, chaffeur-driven cars, or vehicles that will be used for commercial purposes like carrying goods – will require special documentation.
Buyers of used vehicles should make an appointment with Transport Malta, and will need to take the car to the Technical Unit of the Land Transport Directorate for inspection. You will need to provide a printout of the Vehicle Registration Value and the logbook.
After the vehicle has passed an inspection and the registration tax value has been confirmed, youw ill be able to register your vehicle. This can be done online, on the Vehicle Registration website.
Drive in Malta
Malta is small enough that it has no large motorways. The island’s roads have recently been heavily improved, and the government has initiated a number of campaigns promoting road safety awareness.
Keep in mind that in Malta, unlike most European countries, you will drive on the left. Don’t leave home without a good map. Without any major motorways, it can often be hard to figure out the best route to take, and destinations can be reached in a variety of different ways.
There are some important points to keep in mind to drive in Malta:
- All vehicles on the road must be insured, roadworthy, and have valid registration plates.
- As in most other former British colonies, people in Malta drive on the left side.
- You must display a valid road licence on the left hand side of your vehicle’s windscreen.
- The legal age for driving a vehicle in Malta is 18.
- When traveling in a car, the driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt.
- Should you have an accident, contact local wardens on 21320202. If it is bumper to bumper, there is a special Bumper to Bumper form that must be completed.
- Many towns and cities have limited parking. This is particularly true of the capital, Valletta, so look out for park and ride services, and be aware that vehicles entering Valletta will have to pay a fee.
Keep all these points in mind, and you’ll find that you should have no problems buying and owning a car in Malta!
