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Driving in Malta vs. Norway: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Malta and Norway, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that shape their experience. Key distinctions include driving sides, speed limits, and emergency vehicle protocols. Understanding these variances is crucial for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in these diverse locales.

Lanes

Driving Side
malta:
Left
norway:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
norway:
Used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
norway:
Not standard in Norway.
Overtaking: On Left
malta:
No
norway:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
malta:
Yes
norway:
Only permitted in specific situations, e.g., if the vehicle in front has signaled a left turn.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
malta:
Use leftmost lane.
norway:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
norway:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
malta:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
norway:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
norway:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
malta:
N/A
norway:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
malta:
No
norway:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
malta:
N/A
norway:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
malta:
No
norway:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malta:
N/A
norway:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
malta:
50 km/h
norway:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malta:
50 km/h
norway:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malta:
70 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malta:
70 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malta:
70 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malta:
80 km/h
norway:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
malta:
80 km/h
norway:
90-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
malta:
No
norway:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malta:
N/A
norway:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
norway:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
malta:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
norway:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
malta:
Not used in Malta
norway:
Not used in Norway
Traffic Signs: Language
malta:
English and Maltese; symbols are standard
norway:
Norwegian; symbols are standard, with English in some places
Traffic Signs: Warning
malta:
Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow.
norway:
Triangular-shaped with red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs
norway:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
norway:
Accepted with a national driving license
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
norway:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malta:
Annual vehicle inspection required
norway:
Yes, periodic inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.
norway:
None
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malta:
Recommended
norway:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
malta:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
norway:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
malta:
0.05%
norway:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
malta:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
norway:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
norway:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial
norway:
High fines and possible license revocation

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
malta:
Signal left when preparing to exit
norway:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
malta:
112 for emergencies
norway:
02800
Contact: Roadside Assistance
malta:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta
norway:
Check with your insurance provider or NAF
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
norway:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
norway:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
norway:
Varies; substantial fines and possible points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
norway:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
norway:
1500 NOK
Common Fines: Phone Use
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
norway:
1700 NOK
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
norway:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
norway:
Yes, typically required
Payment: Deadline
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay
norway:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay