Y-plate drivers in Malta are now prohibited from working for more than 12 hours during any 24-hour period.
The requirement took effect on 29 July 2026 and forms part of a wider update to Malta’s light passenger transport regulations.
Drivers must also receive at least one day of rest every week.
The Limit Covers More Than App-Based Trips
Transport Malta’s guidance states that the working and rest requirements apply whether journeys are obtained through an intermediary booking platform or arranged independently as pre-booked services.
This means the 12-hour rule concerns a driver’s total work rather than only the time spent accepting trips through one particular application.
Operators are responsible for arranging schedules that respect the limit. They must also maintain records of drivers’ working and rest periods and make them available when requested for monitoring or enforcement.
What Will Booking Platforms Do?
Local reports about the announcement said booking platforms would be used to stop drivers from accepting further journeys after reaching the limit.
Transport Malta’s public implementation page confirms that platforms form part of the regulated system, but it does not describe the precise automatic blocking process or explain how hours worked through different channels will be combined.
The official guidance does confirm that intermediary platforms must use facial-recognition technology to check that the person using a driver account is the authorised driver. Drivers may not allow someone else to provide services through their account.
Other Rules Taking Effect
The 29 July changes also introduce or update requirements covering:
- Operator-licence categories
- Driver permits and registration
- Garaging facilities
- On-street parking limits
- The Transport Malta parking clock
- Special Occasion Vehicles
- Administrative penalties and enforcement
Y-plate vehicles parked on the road while not in use must display an official parking clock. They may remain there for up to two hours between 5.01am and 4.59pm, or one hour between 5pm and 5am.
Transport Malta states that some parts of the updated framework apply immediately, while transitional periods may cover certain other obligations.
Drivers and operators should therefore check the full regulations and Transport Malta guidance rather than relying solely on summaries published through social media.
