Malta suspends your license when you accumulate 12 points within a three-year period
Malta's driving license operates on a points-based system where traffic violations add points to your record. Once you reach 12 points in any rolling three-year window, the authorities issue a suspension notice. The suspension itself lasts a minimum of two months, though repeat offenders or serious violations can trigger longer periods.
The three-year window is continuous, not calendar-based. This means if you received points on January 15, 2022, those points drop off your record on January 15, 2025 — not on December 31 of any year. Points accumulate regardless of whether violations happened in separate incidents or on the same day.
New drivers (those who have held a license for less than two years) face a lower threshold: they lose their license at 6 points instead of 12. This stricter rule applies even if you are an experienced driver who straightforward renewed your license recently.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspends automatically when you reach 12 points within three years, or 6 points if you are a new driver.
- Different violations carry different point values, ranging from 1 point for minor infractions to 12 points for serious offences like dangerous driving.
- The three-year counting period is rolling, not calendar-based, so points expire on the anniversary of when they were recorded.
- You can request a hearing to contest points before suspension takes effect, but you must act within the timeframe stated in your notice.
- Suspension periods start at two months for a first suspension and increase for repeat offenders.
How points are assigned to different driving violations
Malta's Road Traffic Act assigns point values based on how serious the violation is and how much danger it poses to other road users. Minor infractions like parking violations or broken lights carry 1 to 2 points. Moderate violations such as speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, or using a mobile phone while driving carry 3 to 6 points.
Serious violations carry higher point values. Dangerous driving, driving under the influence, failing to stop at a red light, or causing an accident through careless driving typically result in 8 to 12 points. A single serious violation can push you close to or over the suspension threshold when ready.
The exact point value for a specific violation depends on the circumstances. Speeding 10 km/h over the limit carries fewer points than speeding 40 km/h over the limit. A first-time mobile phone violation carries fewer points than a repeat offence within a short period. The police officer or traffic authority issuing the fine will note the points on your ticket.
When suspension takes effect and how long it lasts
Once you reach 12 points (or 6 if you are a new driver), the Malta Transport Authority or the police will send you a formal notice of suspension. The notice includes the suspension start date, which is usually 14 to 30 days after the notice is issued, giving you time to arrange alternative transport or request a hearing.
A first suspension lasts a minimum of two months. If you accumulate 12 points again within three years of your first suspension ending, a second suspension lasts at least three months. A third suspension within the same period lasts at least six months. Repeat offenders face progressively longer periods off the road.
During suspension, you cannot legally drive any vehicle in Malta. Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offence that can result in fines, additional points, or even prosecution. Your license is physically retained or marked as suspended in the system, and police can verify your status at any traffic stop.
How to check your current points balance
You can check how many points you have accumulated by contacting the Malta Transport Authority directly or visiting their office in Valletta. You will need to provide your license number and personal identification. Some online services allow you to check your balance through the authority's website, though the exact process and availability depend on current system access.
Your driving license document itself does not show your points total — points are recorded in a separate database maintained by the Transport Authority. You will not know your exact balance unless you request it or receive a formal notice. This is why many drivers are surprised when they receive a suspension notice.
If you receive a fine for a traffic violation, the ticket or receipt should indicate the points assigned. Keep these documents so you can track your own running total and know how close you are to suspension.
Contesting points before suspension takes effect
When you receive a suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing before the Transport Authority or a designated appeals body. The notice will state the important date for requesting this hearing — typically 14 days from the date the notice is issued. Missing this important date usually means you lose the right to contest the suspension.
At a hearing, you can argue that the points were issued incorrectly, that the violation did not occur, or that circumstances warrant leniency. You may present evidence, witness statements, or documentation supporting your case. However, the hearing officer has discretion to uphold, reduce, or overturn the points based on the evidence presented.
Contesting points does not automatically stop the suspension from taking effect. In some cases, the suspension may be delayed pending the hearing outcome, but you should assume the suspension date stands unless you receive written confirmation otherwise. Contact the Transport Authority when ready after receiving your notice if you intend to request a hearing.
What happens after your suspension ends
Once your suspension period ends, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to reapply or pay a reinstatement fee. However, the points that caused the suspension remain on your record for the full three-year period from when they were issued. If you accumulate more points before those original points expire, you could face suspension again.
Some drivers are required to complete a driver awareness course before their license is reinstated, particularly after a second or third suspension or after violations involving dangerous driving or alcohol. The Transport Authority will notify you if this applies to your case. These courses are typically one-day programs covering road safety and the consequences of traffic violations.
Your insurance premiums will likely increase after a suspension, as insurers view suspended drivers as higher risk. Some insurers may refuse to cover you or require you to pay significantly more. Shop around when your suspension ends, as different insurers assess risk differently.
Points that expire and how the three-year window works
Points expire three years from the date they were recorded, not three years from when you received the fine or court decision. If you received points on March 10, 2023, those points drop off your record on March 10, 2026, regardless of when you actually paid the fine or completed any other requirement.
The three-year window is rolling and continuous. If you have points from four different violations spread across three years, the oldest points expire first, then the next oldest, and so on. This means your points total can decrease gradually without you doing anything — straightforward waiting for old violations to age out.
However, if you accumulate new points before old ones expire, your total can stay high or even increase. For example, if you have 8 points from 2023 and receive 6 more points in 2024, you now have 14 points and face suspension. The 2023 points do not expire until 2026, so you remain suspended until either those points expire or you serve your suspension period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do points from different countries count toward my Malta suspension?
No. Only violations recorded in Malta count toward your 12-point threshold. However, if you are convicted of a serious driving offence in another country, Malta may refuse to renew your license or impose additional restrictions. Always declare foreign driving convictions when required.
Can I transfer my license to another country to avoid suspension?
No. Your suspension is tied to your Malta license and your driving record in Malta. Moving abroad does not erase your points or prevent suspension. If you return to Malta or attempt to exchange your license, the suspension will still explore. Some countries will not issue you a new license if you have an active suspension elsewhere.
What if I was not the driver when the violation occurred?
If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can contest the points by providing evidence that you were not the driver. You will need to identify the actual driver and provide documentation (such as a witness statement or vehicle rental agreement). The points will then be transferred to the correct driver's record. However, if you cannot prove who was driving, the points remain on your license.
Does paying a fine faster reduce the points I receive?
No. The points assigned to a violation are fixed and do not change based on when or how quickly you pay the fine. Paying when ready does not reduce points, and delaying payment does not increase them. However, paying promptly may avoid additional penalties for non-payment.
Can I get points removed from my record before three years pass?
Points cannot be removed early through any formal process. Your only options are to contest the points through a hearing (which may result in them being overturned or reduced) or to wait for them to expire naturally after three years. Some drivers pursue legal action if they believe a violation was issued incorrectly, but this is expensive and rarely successful.