Last Updated on August 21, 2019 by Your Malta
MALTA CAR HIRE. If you’re planning a holiday in Malta, don’t ruin what would otherwise be a great holiday by forgetting to organise for getting around. It all comes down to hiring a car or using public transport.
If you want to do things your way, Malta car hire is your best bet. Here’s what you need to know before you can be driving on Malta on your next trip.
Malta Car Hire Requirements
You need to be at least 21 years old and under 71 years old to hire a car in Malta. If you’re under the age of 25 or over 71 you may incur a driver surcharge.
If you’re between the ages of 71 and 75, you will need medical certification that deems you fit to drive.
In addition, hiring a car and driving on Malta requires that your license must be at least 2 years old.
Hiring a car in Malta
Malta car hire is easy with proper identification, your credit card details, and a deposit. You can choose a vehicle from the great selection of car rental options available and from as little as €5 per day you can be exploring this magnificent island in comfort.
Rental car insurance
When hiring a car in Malta, you need to be prepared to pay the mandatory Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) which reduces the amount you pay in case of an accident to $500.
The waiver includes third party liability insurance in case of injury or damage to any people outside the rental car.
Optional car rental insurance coverage is also available. It includes theft protection and super CDW, which reduces the amount you pay in case of an accident to as low as zero.
One-way Malta car hire
The regulation surrounding the hiring of cars in Malta specifies that hired cars are not allowed outside the country. It’s possible to pick up a car in one location and drop it off at another within Malta, although this requires that you agree with your car hire supplier.
Driving on Malta
Hiring a car is only half of the process. You also need to familiarise with Malta driving information and road rules to ensure safe travel.
Road rules
The following are some common road rules in Malta.
● Driving is on the left side of the road and passing is only permitted on the right.
● Safety belts are mandatory when driving, however, baby car seats are not.
● The general speed limit in the city is 40km/h (25 mph) and 64 km/h (40 mph) on the open road.
● You must always carry your license and some form of identification when on the road.
● You may not use a mobile phone when driving unless the car has a hands-free system
Driving information
The following information is relevant for going about in Malta.
● Most gas stations operate from 7 am to 8 pm. Always try to have cash for gas because a considerable number of stations don’t accept credit cards.
● Parking meters are normally valid for 1 to 2 hours
● Malta has no toll highways but you will have to pay a congestion toll if you plan on entering Valletta
The good and the bad of driving on Malta
Driving on Malta has its benefits and some disadvantages as well. Here are some of the major things you need to know.
The good
● Hiring a car in Malta is relatively cheap. Basic rental tends to cost less than €10 per day.
● Malta is a small island and having a car means you can drive around without using too much money or taking up too much time.
● Hiring a car frees you up from having to rely on public transport or stick to normal bus routes.
The bad
● Malta experiences lots of traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. If you want to catch a flight, make sure you leave room for delays.
● Maltese drivers are known for being hot-headed so navigating through the island is not the easiest of tasks.
● Parking can be a big problem – there are many cars on a small island. Check with your hotel if there is parking available.
● Left-hand driving may prove difficult if you are not used to it.
● One prominent feature of Malta’s ancient cities are the narrow roads. Unfortunately, these make for some difficult driving.