Rent a Car in Malta: Best Deals & Discounts!

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Car Rental in Malta: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Malta and want to explore the island at your own pace, renting a car is a great option. However, before you hit the road, it’s important to understand the local driving laws and requirements.

Understanding Local Driving Laws

In Malta, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and the speed limits are strictly enforced. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and the use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited. It’s also important to note that the legal blood alcohol limit is lower than in many other countries, so it’s best to avoid drinking and driving altogether.

Driver’s License and Age Requirements

To rent a car in Malta, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for a minimum of one year. If you are under 25, you may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

Insurance and Additional Fees

When renting a car in Malta, it’s important to carefully review the insurance options offered by the rental company. Basic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage may be available for an extra cost. Be sure to inquire about any additional fees, such as airport surcharges or one-way rental fees, before finalizing your booking.

Choosing the Right Rental Car

Malta’s narrow roads and parking challenges make a smaller car a practical choice for exploring the island. However, if you plan to venture off the beaten path and explore the countryside, a larger vehicle may be more suitable. Consider your itinerary and the size of your travel party when selecting the right rental car for your trip.

In conclusion, renting a car in Malta can provide you with the flexibility and freedom to explore the island on your own terms. By understanding the local driving laws and requirements, and choosing the right rental car for your needs, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free driving experience during your visit to Malta.

Rental Requirements

Age Limits

In Malta, the minimum age for renting a car is typically 21 years old, with some car rental companies requiring renters to be at least 25 years old. There may also be a maximum age limit, so it’s important to check with the rental company before making a reservation.

Driving License Requirements

When renting a car in Malta, most rental companies require renters to have a valid driver’s license from their home country. Some may also accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to the local license. It’s important to note that the driver must have held their license for a minimum period, usually one or two years, before they are eligible to rent a car.

Documentation

In addition to a valid driver’s license, renters will need to provide a valid passport and a credit card in their name for the rental transaction. Some rental companies may have additional documentation requirements, so it’s best to check with the specific company before arriving to pick up the rental car.

Insurance Information

When renting a car in Malta, it’s important to understand the insurance options available to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Basic Insurance

The basic insurance typically included in car rentals in Malta covers Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection. This provides peace of mind in case of any damage or theft of the rental vehicle.

Additional Insurance

In addition to the basic insurance, travelers have the option to purchase additional insurance for added protection. This may include Personal Accident Insurance, which covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident, and Supplemental Liability Insurance, which provides coverage for third-party damages.

Insurance Tips

For travelers renting a car in Malta, it’s recommended to check their existing travel insurance policies to see if they already have coverage for rental vehicles. This can help avoid paying for duplicate insurance and save money on the overall rental cost. Additionally, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage to fully understand what is included and any potential exclusions. This will ensure a worry-free rental experience while exploring the beautiful country of Malta.

Local Driving Laws and Regulations in Malta

General Traffic Rules

Driving Side: Malta drives on the left side of the road.
Speed Limits: Urban areas – 50 km/h, rural roads – 80 km/h, highways – 80-100 km/h.
Other Useful Info: Look out for narrow streets and one-way roads in urban areas.

Overtaking and Lane Usage

Overtaking Rules: Overtaking is done on the right, and it is illegal in certain areas.
Lane Discipline: Keep to the left unless overtaking on multi-lane roads.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of erratic driving behaviors by other drivers.

Seat Belt and Child Safety

Seat Belt Laws: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.
Child Safety: Children under 10 years old or 150cm in height must use a child car seat.
Other Useful Info: Ensure children are safely secured before starting the journey.

Use of Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Restrictions: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Other Useful Info: Use a hands-free device if you need to make a call while driving.

Alcohol and Driving

Legal Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%.
Zero Tolerance Policies: There is a zero-tolerance policy for new drivers and commercial vehicle drivers.
Other Useful Info: Plan alternative transportation if you plan to drink.

Tolls and Charges

Toll Roads: There are no toll roads in Malta.
Congestion Charges: There are no congestion charges in Malta.
Other Useful Info: No additional charges for driving in urban areas.

Roundabouts and Intersections

Navigating Roundabouts: Give way to vehicles on your right when entering a roundabout.
Intersection Rules: Right of way is given to vehicles already in the intersection.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of pedestrians at intersections.

Headlight and Windshield Wiper Laws

Headlight Usage: Use headlights at night or when visibility is reduced due to weather conditions.
Windshield Wiper Rule: No specific requirement for turning on headlights when using wipers.
Other Useful Info: Keep headlights on low beam in urban areas.

Emergency Vehicles

Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles: Pull over to the side of the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Other Useful Info: Stay alert for sirens and flashing lights of emergency vehicles.

Driving Tips for Malta

Road Conditions

Malta has a well-maintained road network, with most roads being in good condition. However, some rural areas may have narrower roads and uneven surfaces, so it’s important to drive with caution.

Urban vs. Rural Driving

In urban areas like Valletta and Sliema, traffic can be heavy and parking can be limited. In rural areas, roads may be less congested but also more winding and narrow. It’s important to be mindful of local driving styles and road conditions.

Navigational Tips

Using GPS can be helpful in navigating the streets of Malta, especially in urban areas where signage may be limited. It’s also a good idea to have a physical map as a backup, as GPS signals can sometimes be unreliable, especially in rural areas.

Other Useful Tips

When renting a car in Malta, be sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations. Keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. It’s also important to be aware of speed limits and parking regulations to avoid fines.

Roadside Assistance and Emergency Procedures

Breakdown Procedures

If you experience a breakdown while driving a rental car in Malta, the first step is to safely pull over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and then contact the rental company to report the issue. They will provide guidance on the next steps, which may include arranging for a replacement vehicle or repairs.

Emergency Services

In the event of a medical emergency or accident, it’s important to know the contact numbers for emergency services in Malta. The police can be reached by dialing 112, while the emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 196.

For roadside assistance, the rental company will provide you with their contact information and procedures for requesting help. Many rental companies offer 24/7 assistance and towing services in case of mechanical issues or accidents.

Rental Company Policies

Before you rent a car in Malta, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the roadside assistance and emergency procedures provided by the rental company. Most companies offer support for breakdowns and accidents, including access to a 24/7 hotline for assistance. Additionally, they may provide towing services to transport the vehicle to a repair facility if needed.

Knowing the breakdown procedures, emergency service contact numbers, and rental company policies will help ensure a smooth and safe driving experience while renting a car in Malta.

Where can you Rent a Car in Malta?

You can browse all the city locations below, sorted alphabetically. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on a Mac) to quickly find the one you want to explore.