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Driving Differences: France vs. Malta Explained

When navigating the roads of France and Malta, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that significantly influence their travel experience. Key contrasts include the driving side—right in France and left in Malta—along with varying speed limits and road etiquette. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in both countries.

Lanes

Driving Side
france:
Right
malta:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
Overtaking: On Left
france:
Yes
malta:
No
Overtaking: On Right
france:
Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended.
malta:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
france:
Use rightmost lane.
malta:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
france:
Exclusive for bicycles.
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
france:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
malta:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
france:
Yes
malta:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
france:
Electronic signs display current limits.
malta:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
france:
30 km/h
malta:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
france:
80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
france:
80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
130 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
france:
100 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
france:
90 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
france:
Yes
malta:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
france:
Electronic signs display current limits
malta:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
france:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
malta:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
france:
Not used in France
malta:
Not used in Malta
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
france:
Signal when entering and exiting
malta:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
france:
Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply
malta:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
france:
French; symbols are standard
malta:
English and Maltese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
france:
Triangular with red border
malta:
Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow.

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
france:
Accepted for short visits
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
france:
International Driving Permit recommended
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
malta:
Annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
france:
Displayed on windshield
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
malta:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
malta:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
malta:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary
malta:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Underage Drivers
france:
0.00%
malta:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
france:
Can be substantial
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
france:
Signal when entering if turning right
malta:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
france:
Signal right when preparing to exit
malta:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
france:
17 or through local police
malta:
112 for emergencies
Contact: Roadside Assistance
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
malta:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
france:
€135
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
france:
€135
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
france:
€135
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay