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Driving in Malta vs. Spain: Key Differences Explained

Welcome to our comprehensive comparison between Malta and Spain, where we explore the diverse rules of the road and their implications for safe travel. Key distinctions include driving on the left in Malta versus the right in Spain, along with varying speed limits and lane usage regulations. Stay informed to enhance your driving experience abroad!

Lanes

Driving Side
malta:
Left
spain:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
spain:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
spain:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
malta:
No
spain:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
malta:
Yes
spain:
Prohibited unless on a one-way street.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
malta:
Use leftmost lane.
spain:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
spain:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
malta:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
spain:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
spain:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
malta:
N/A
spain:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
malta:
No
spain:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
malta:
N/A
spain:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
malta:
No
spain:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malta:
N/A
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malta:
50 km/h
spain:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malta:
70 km/h
spain:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malta:
70 km/h
spain:
80-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malta:
70 km/h
spain:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malta:
80 km/h
spain:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
malta:
80 km/h
spain:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
malta:
80 km/h
spain:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
malta:
No
spain:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malta:
N/A
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
spain:
Yes, commonly used

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
malta:
Not allowed
spain:
Prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise
U- Turns Allowed
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs
spain:
Generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
spain:
Accepted; must carry license.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
spain:
International Driving Permit recommended in conjunction with national license.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malta:
Annual vehicle inspection required
spain:
Yes, periodic inspections required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.
spain:
Displayed on windshield in some areas.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malta:
Recommended
spain:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malta:
Recommended
spain:
Mandatory.

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
malta:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
spain:
Used more frequently in urgent situations
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
malta:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
spain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
malta:
0.02%
spain:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
malta:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
spain:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
spain:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
Enforcement: Fines
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial
spain:
Severe penalties, including high fines
Test Refusal
malta:
Can result in license suspension
spain:
Can result in heavy fines and license suspension

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

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

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
spain:
Varies; typically €100 to €600, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
spain:
Severe fines and potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
spain:
€200, mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
spain:
€200, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
spain:
€200, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
spain:
Yes; discount if paid promptly.
Payment: Deadline
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay
spain:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay