Non-EU driving licence holders to be barred from driving Y-plate cars

The Transport Ministry has announced a swathe of new rules for Y-plate cars and tags, which will introduce not only a new curriculum, course and test for the Y-tag, but also require all drivers to obtain an EU driving licence.

In a statement, the Ministry said it approved new rules which will be introduced in the coming weeks which will regulate the manner in which Y-plate driving licenses and tags are awarded.

Any third-country national (TCN) who will apply to obtain or renew their driver’s licence and tag to drive a Y-plate car must have their licence issued by Malta, or another EU member state.

Previously, TCNs were allowed to obtain a tag to drive a Y-plate car for one year until they obtained a licence issued by Malta or another EU country, however this will no longer be the case.

Furthermore, the course and exam applicants need to pass to obtain a tag is expected to be changed from 17th July 2023. All tests will also start taking place within Transport Malta’s own premises.

Until that date, no new tests will be held, nor applications will be accepted.

These new rules join other measures concerning garage rules and geofencing which were introduced by Transport Malta on 23rd May 2023.

These rules require Y-plate holders to prove that they have access to a garage where they may leave their car when it is not being operated. From 23rd July, drivers will only be allowed to park Y-plate cars unattended in white parking spaces for a maximum of an hour.

Drivers will also not be allowed to park closer than 100 metres to white taxi stands. This minimum distance will increase to 250 metres in particular areas such as the the Malta International Airport and the Valletta Cruise Port. Geofencing technology will be introduced to enforce these rules.

Lastly, discussions and consultations will be initiated with stakeholders so that from 2025, all new cars registered with the Y-plate will be electric.