Y-Plate drivers to face new dress code under new reform plans

Y-plate drivers will soon be expected to follow attire guidelines, according to an unpublished government consultation document.

Industry sources say it will be the responsibility of fleet operators to ensure that drivers comply with the dress code.

The exact requirements of the dress code have not yet been made public, but failure to adhere to the rules is expected to result in fines from the regulator, Transport Malta.

The announcement comes amid broader reforms currently being finalised, set to take effect in the coming weeks in an industry that handles over 55,000 rides per day.

“Consultations with relevant stakeholders remain ongoing,” Transport Malta said when contacted by this newsroom.

Among the key measures now on the table are:

• A ban on cash payments, closing loopholes that enable underreporting and tax evasion
• Strict limits on driver working hours, with Transport Malta gaining new powers to track and regulate drivers across platforms
• The phasing out of the exploitative “50/50” rent-sharing model, which pushes drivers into excessively long shifts
• Stricter compliance rules and far higher platform fees, ensuring both operators and fleets contribute fairly

Platforms such as Bolt, Uber, and eCabs will also face sharply higher licensing fees, rising from just €200 annually to as much as €320,000 depending on ride volume.

Other measures include facial recognition requirements to verify drivers, congestion fees for high-mileage vehicles and revised parking penalties.

Last week, this newsroom asked Transport Malta about the 50/50 revenue-sharing model, the regulation of Y-plate drivers’ working hours and the authority’s tools and enforcement powers to safeguard passengers. As of today, these questions remain unanswered.