Malta on an Indian Licence 2026: Left-Hand Traffic, 0.05

Indian drivers skip the hardest part of driving in Europe when they land in Malta: traffic keeps to the left, exactly as at home. Roundabouts, right turns across traffic and the instinct at junctions all carry over.

Licence and permit

Malta accepts a valid foreign licence from visitors for up to one year. Official travel advice for non-EU drivers adds that you should still carry an International Driving Permit, so bring the IDP, your Indian licence and your passport together. The IDP comes from your RTO before you fly; Malta cannot issue one.

Smaller numbers on the signs

Malta has no motorways. Limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on the open road. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05 g/dl, and 0.02 for novice drivers: a little above India’s 0.03, but too close to treat as room for a drink.

The roads are the challenge

Expect narrow, winding and congested streets, some poorly maintained, and flash flooding after heavy rain. Canada’s travel advice warns that local drivers do not always yield to pedestrians or cyclists and that double parking is common, though illegal. A small hire car makes the old towns easier. For emergencies dial 112.

See the Malta driving guide and check your documents with the Driving Permit Checker.

Sources

• Global Affairs Canada, Malta travel advice (foreign licence up to one year, carry an IDP, left-hand traffic, road conditions, 112): travel.gc.ca
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Malta profile (50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no motorway limit, BAC 0.05 g/dl, novice 0.02): who.int
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, India profile (BAC 0.03 g/dl): who.int