Transport Malta confiscates and suspends Y-plate vehicles after random spot checks across Malta

Transport Malta has impounded 12 Y-plate vehicles and suspended other ride-hailing cabs following random spot checks across Malta.

“As part of the enforcement, the authority conducted random spot checks in different areas of the country,” Transport Malta said on a Facebook statement. This included in St Julian’s and outside the Malta International Airport parking.

During the checks, Transport Malta suspended some vehicles for not adhering to the Public Service Garage policy, a law that obliges these vehicles to be garaged when not used.

Additionally, 12 Y-plate vehicles were impounded for operating without a permit.

According to a Times of Malta report, a fifth of Y-plate vehicles operated by Bolt, eCabs and Uber, were ordered off the road because of irregular on-street parking.

This regulation was introduced in 2023, obliging operators to provide the authority with plans for garages or off-street parking indicating the required space for the vehicles to park.

Commenting on the enforcement, Transport Minister Chris Bonett remarked that the Government “has made it clear that abuse will be put to an end.”

“This is the principle that will keep on guiding our efforts within the sector,” he said.