Direct, data-driven answers to the most common questions about hiring a car in Mellieha, Malta — from insurance and driving rules to parking and ferry logistics. For deeper coverage, see our guides: airport pickup and insurance beaches and parking, and Gozo and Comino day trips Do I Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Car in Malta? Most visitors do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if they hold a valid EU/EEA licence or a UK photocard licence, but an IDP is safer for non-EU visitors picking up a car at Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa. Transport Malta states that licences not printed in the Latin script require an IDP, and many rental desks in the Arrivals Lounge and Terminal at MLA apply their own document checks for US, Canadian, and Australian licences. If you are renting from Billy's Car Hire, Frank's Auto Rental, GoCar Malta, or Hertz Malta, expect staff to verify the licence format before authorisation. Caveat: Some insurers can refuse claims if the driver did not meet the rental policy at pickup, so keep the IDP with your licence even when the rental company accepts the original document. Which Side of the Road Does Malta Drive On? Malta drives on the left, and that rule applies across Mellieha, Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, Bugibba, Qawra, and St Paul's Bay. Transport Malta and the EU road-safety framework both confirm left-hand traffic, which is especially important at roundabouts near Mellieha Bay, Għadira, and Ċirkewwa on routes used for the Gozo Channel. Drivers from the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Australia, and Japan usually adapt quickly, but visitors from right-hand-traffic countries often need the first 10 to 15 minutes to adjust. Caveat: The main mistake is entering roundabouts too early, so slow down before junctions on the drive between Mellieha, Marfa Ridge, and Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal. What Is the Speed Limit in Malta? Malta’s default speed limit is 80 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas, and fixed enforcement cameras are common on routes linking Mellieha, Mdina, and Luqa. According to Transport Malta and national enforcement notices, fines can start at €34.94 for smaller infringements and rise above €100 for larger ones, so a conservative driving pace is the safest option. The roads around Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Paradise Bay, and Armier Bay are often narrow, so speed drops quickly near beach access points. Caveat: Malta’s drink-driving rules are stricter than the default speed limits, so treat 0.00% alcohol as the safest operational target even when guidance references 0.05% or 0.08%. Is Car Rental Insurance Mandatory in Malta? Yes, every rental agreement in Malta includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and many desks at Luqa offer Super CDW (SCDW), Full Damage Waiver (FDW), and zero excess upgrades for an added daily fee. Standard CDW usually carries an excess/deductible or franchise of about €1,000 to €2,500, while zero-excess plans reduce the renter’s liability to €0 or a very small handling fee. Cover4Rentals and similar brokers often sell independent third-party liability or third-party excess cover from roughly €3.68 per day, which can help with tyres, glass, and undercarriage exclusions. Caveat: Rental terms commonly require a preauthorisation on the card at pickup, and some policies exclude off-road damage, so read the contract before you leave the Arrivals Lounge. Can I Take a Rental Car on the Gozo Ferry? Yes, most major suppliers allow mainland-to-Gozo trips on the Gozo Channel between Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal and Mġarr Harbour, but the policy should be confirmed before departure. Companies such as Hertz Malta, Avis Malta, Europcar, Zest Car Rental, JS Car Hire, Riverside Malta, and Baron Car Hire typically allow inter-island use, and the standard car-and-driver fare is about €15.70. The drive from Mellieha to Ċirkewwa is usually around 10 minutes, which makes the ferry practical for day trips to Gozo or Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Caveat: Rental cars are not normally permitted on services outside the Maltese islands, so do not assume permission for Sicily routes or private boat transfers. How Do I Avoid Car Rental Scams in Malta? The best protection is to rent from a licensed operator, photograph the vehicle at pickup and return, and keep the contract, fuel receipt, and damage report together. Transport Malta licensing rules and local enforcement by LESA make documentation especially important when using suppliers such as Malta First Car Hire, Drifter, or GoCar Malta, because disputed scratches and fuel claims are the most common complaint patterns. MVRLA and consumer guidance also recommend checking the odometer, tyres, glass, and bumpers before you sign. Caveat: Avoid handing over a card without understanding the preauthorisation amount, because a high hold can block your available credit until the return inspection is completed.