L.S. 65.33 Regolamenti dwar Servizzi ta’ Ġarr ta’ Passiġġieri b’Vettur

LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 1 SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES REGULATIONS 4th September, 2020 LEGAL NOTICE 366 of 2020, as amended by Legal Notices 344 of 2021, 336 of 2022 and 111, 186 and 246 of 2023, 269 and 333 of 2024 and 148 and 182 of

Regulations Preliminary 2–4 Operator’s Licence for Light Passenger Transport 5 – 14 Services Part III Light Passenger Transport Services: Obligations 15 – 37 and Requirements of the Operator Part IV Driver’s Permit 38 – 45 Part V Operator’s Licence for Vehicle Hire Services 46 – 49 Part VI Vehicle Hire Services: Obligations and Require50 – 55 ments of the Operator Part VII The Light Passenger and Vehicle Hire Services 56 - 57 Register Part VIII Licensed Vehicles 58 - 63 Part IX Booking Platforms 64 – 66 Part X Offences and Penalties 67 - 74 Part XI General and Transitory Provisions 75 - 77 SCHEDULES First Schedule Fees Second Schedule Sign denoting that the vehicle is a wheelchair accessible light passenger transport vehicle Third Schedule List of subjects to be covered in the training course Fourth Schedule Administrative Penalties Part I Part II
The title of these Regulations is the Light Passenger Transport Services and Vehicle Hire Services Regulations. Citation. PART I PRELIMINARY
requires: In these regulations, unless the context otherwise Interpretation. Amended by: L.N. 186 of 2023; L.N. 111 of 2023; L.N. 246 of 2023; L.N. 148 of
"Act" means the Authority for Transport in Malta Act; Cap.
"Authority" means the Authority for Transport in Malta as established by article 5 of the Authority for Transport in Malta Act;  Cap.
2 [ S.L. 65.33  Cap. 441.    S.L.
07.   Cap.
LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES "authorised commercial premises" means any commercial premises as defined by the Trading Licences Act and which is licensed to carry out any commercial activity in terms of the Trading Licences Regulations; and for the purpose of these regulations includes also any building, premises or other establishment which is licensed in terms of the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act; "authorised inspecting officer" means a Police officer, a community officer or an officer of the Authority;   S.L. 499.
"bus stop" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Passenger Transport Services Regulations; "car sharing vehicle’ means a vehicle which is licensed under a car-sharing operator’s licence to be hired from a car sharing operator for the purpose of being driven by the hirer from one car sharing parking space designated for such purpose by the Authority to another car sharing parking space designated for such purpose by the Authority; "designated person" means a natural person, designated to the Authority by an operator or an applicant for an operator’s licence, as the person who continuously and effectively manages the passenger transport and, or vehicle rental services; "driver’s permit" means a permit issued by the Authority to drivers in terms of Part IV; "driver’s tag" means a tag issued by the Authority to a driver in terms of Part IV; ''e-kickscooter sharing services'' means a short term rent by a user of an e-kickscooter provided by an e-kickscooter sharing operator licensed by the Authority; e-kickscooter sharing services may be provided either as a free-floating service or as a docking station sharing service; ''electric kick scooter'' or ''e-kickscooter'' means a standup device that has a handlebar, a deck and small hard wheels powered by an electric motor and which also allows for human propulsion;    Cap.
"European Union" means the "European Union" as defined in article 2 of the European Union Act and shall also include Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein; "garaging facility" means any premises which is off-street and in which the parking or garaging therein of motor vehicles is permitted by the relevant planning authority permit; LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 "goods carrying vehicle" means any N1, or N2 or N3 motor vehicle; "hire" shall include short lease and long-term lease covered by a lease agreement; "hire or reward" means payment made for the carriage of passengers other than on own account, that is to say against payment or compensation by the person being transported or by the hirer, whether such payment or compensation is made directly or indirectly;"hirer" means a person who is granted the right to drive a hired motor vehicle for the duration for which a motor vehicle is rented or taken out on lease; "intermediary booking service platform" means a platform whereby light passenger transport services may be booked by customers from operators of light passenger transport services through an intermediary holding an authorisation for such purpose from the Authority; "light passenger transport vehicle", for the purpose of these regulations, means such vehicles driven by a person holding a driver’s permit who is employed by an operator for the purpose of the conveyancing of passengers; said vehicles are registered under Section 1 of Part IV of the Light Passenger and Rental Services Register; "light passenger transport services" means the conveyancing of passengers for payment or reward by means of chauffeur-driven vehicles which are registered under an operator’s licence; "light passenger transport services operator " means any person, whether natural or legal, who is authorised by the Authority to operate a light passenger transport service; "limousine" means a luxury passenger vehicle which either has a chassis or wheel-base that has been stretched, or is a sedan which is promoted as a luxury vehicle by its manufacturer, and for the purpose of this regulation shall in any case have an overall length that exceeds 5.15m; ''low-powered cycle'' means a vehicle, having a kerbside weight not exceeding 350 kg, which is either propelled only by pedals in the case of a bicycle or tricycle, or by a combination of pedals and a motor in the case of a power assisted bicycle or tricycle, or by a combustion engine of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cm³ or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, or an electric motor with a maximum net power output of 1.49Kw, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 45 km per hour in the case of a motorised scooter or 3 4 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 cycle; "M1 vehicle" means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers and comprising no more than eight

(8)seats in addition to the driver’s seat; "M2 vehicle" means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass not exceeding five tonnes; "M3 vehicle" means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight

(5)seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass exceeding 5 tonnes; "motorcycle" means any two-wheeled vehicle fitted with an engine having a cylinder capacity of more than 50cm³ if of the internal combustion type and, or having a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h; "motor tricycle" means a vehicle with three symmetrically arranged wheels (category L5e) fitted with an engine having a cylinder capacity of more than 50cm3 if of the internal combustion type and, or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h; "motor vehicle" means any mechanically self-propelled vehicle, including a motor cycle, a motor tricycle and a lowpowered cycle, intended for use on the road, other than a vehicle running on rails, which, for the purpose of these regulations, is licensed to be be used for the purpose of providing light passenger transport services or to be hired from a vehicle hire operator; "motor vehicle for hire" means any motor vehicle which is registered and licensed to be hired for the purpose of being driven by such hirer; "N1 vehicle" means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes; "N2 vehicle" means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes; "N3 vehicle" means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes; "new motor vehicle" means, for the purposes of these regulations, a motor vehicle which has never been registered in LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 any country; "operating centre" means the administrative offices from which the operator co-ordinates and controls the passenger transport and, or vehicle rental services it supplies and in which all records relating to such services are kept; "operator" means any person, whether natural or legal, who is authorised by the Authority to operate either a light passenger transport service or a vehicle hire service, or both; "parking disc" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Controlled Parking Schemes (Residents and Commercial) Regulations;   S.L. 363.

"passenger" means a person who is carried in a light passenger transport vehicle for hire or reward; "Planning Authority" means the Planning Authority as established under the Development Planning Act;  Cap.
"ply for hire" means to drive a light passenger transport vehicle on the road to search for, or be available for, hire; "priority vehicle lane" means an area of carriageway reserved for vehicles on priority duty; "road" means any road, street, lane, square or other place of public thoroughfare; "Register" means the Light Passenger and Vehicle Hire Services Register set up in terms of Part VII; "special purpose vehicles" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in Annex II of Directive 2007/46/EC; "stand for hire" means, in the case of a light passenger transport vehicle, to wait in a stationary position in order to entice and accept requests for hire; "surveillance camera" means a camera which captures images and projects those images into an electric signal to be further processed; " "taxi stand" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Taxi Services Regulations; "tracking device" means, for the purpose of these regulations, any individual device that monitors the geographical position, functioning or operation of a light passenger transport vehicle;   S.L. 499.
5 6 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33  Cap.
"Tribunal" means the Administrative Review Tribunal established in terms of article 5 of the Administrative Justice Act; "vehicle hire operator " means any person, whether natural or legal, who is authorised by the Authority to operate a vehicle hire service; "vehicle hire service" means the offering of motor vehicles for hire; "vintage vehicle" means an authentic and genuine vehicle with an age of thirty years or more (to be reckoned from the date of manufacture), as certified by the vintage vehicle classification committee, which is kept in a state which is as close as possible to its original state as produced by the manufacturer and which respects the spirit of classic and vintage vehicle preservation. Open market policy. 3.

(1)When considering an application for – (

a)an operator’s licence, or (
b)a driver’s permit, the Authority shall promote an open market policy and will not restrict the issue of such licences and permits on the basis that there are too many current licences or permits or for any other reason not stipulated in these regulations.  Cap. 65. Cap. 499.

(2)If anything contained in these regulations is inconsistent or in conflict with any regulations issued under the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or the Authority for Transport in Malta Act or any subsidiary legislation made thereunder, the present regulations shall prevail, and to the extent of these inconsistencies or conflicts, such other regulations shall be deemed to be null and void. Scope. 4.

(1)These regulations shall regulate light passenger transport services for hire and reward and vehicle hire services only.

(2)Car sharing services and e-kickscooter sharing services are excluded from the scope of these regulations. PART II OPERATOR’S LICENCE FOR LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES Operator’s licence. Amended by: L.N. 344 of 2021; L.N. 111 of 2023; L.N. 246 of 2023; L.N. 333 of 2024. 5.

(1)No person shall carry out light passenger transport services for hire or reward unless duly authorised under these regulations.

(2)The Authority shall issue an operator’s licence to any undertaking that proposes to carry out light passenger transport LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 services and satisfies the conditions of these regulations and other requirements which the Authority may establish.

(3)An operator’s licence shall be issued in the name of a natural person authorised to represent the undertaking and may be transferred at a fee stipulated in Part 1 of the First Schedule, with the approval and written authorisation of the Authority, to any other person that satisfies the criteria established by law for the issuance of such a licence.

(4)Once issued, an operator’s licence shall remain valid unless it is revoked, suspended or surrendered, provided that the operator submits to the Authority, within one

(1)month preceding the first year from the issue of the said licence, and every subsequent year, an application for renewal which shall include: (

a)(
b)Schedule; a conduct certificate issued by the police; the applicable fee as stipulated in the First (
c)in the case of an application for a renewal of an operator’s license registering less than five

(5)motor vehicles, the operator applying for such a renewal shall provide a form signed by him within which he shall provide: (

i)a declaration that he has at his disposal the exclusive use of the garaging facility indicated on his license and specify under which title he is making exclusive use of the described facility; (
ii)the address of his operational centre; (iii) the address of the site and the site plan of each garaging facility described; (
iv)the total number of parking spaces for each garaging facility; (
v)a declaration that these parking spaces are sufficient to park all the light passenger transport vehicles registered under the operator’s license: Provided that when such operator declares that the title under which he makes exclusive use of the described facility in terms of sub-paragraph (
i)is not a title of absolute ownership, such operator shall also provide a declaration signed by the owner and, or any co-owner, wherein said person 7 8 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES declares that he is authorising such operator to enjoy the exclusive use of the described facility for a period that covers not less than twelve

(12)months from the issuance of the license.. (d) in the case of an application for renewal of an operator’s license registering five

(5)motor vehicles or more, the operator applying for such a renewal shall provide a form signed by him within which he shall provide: (

i)a declaration that he has at his disposal the exclusive use of the garaging facility indicated on his license and specify under which title he is making exclusive use of the described facility; (
ii)the address of his operational centre; (iii) the relative development permit approving the use of the garaging facility in which the motor vehicles are parked as a public service garage, and provide the details of any such permit; (
iv)the address of the site and the site plan of each garaging facility described; (
v)the total number of parking spaces for each garaging facility; (
vi)a declaration that these parking spaces are sufficient for the parking of all the light passenger transport vehicles that are registered under the operator’s license; and (vii) a report signed by a warranted architect that confirms the validity of the details submitted in terms of sub-paragraphs (
i)to (
vi)of this paragraph in relation to each garaging facility described in the operator’s license: Provided that when such operator declares that the title under which he makes exclusive use of the described facility in terms of sub-paragraph (
i)is not a title of absolute ownership, such operator shall also provide a declaration signed by the owner and, or any co-owner, wherein said person declares that he is authorising such operator to enjoy the exclusive use of the described facility for a period that covers not less than twelve

(12)months from the issuance of the license. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 9 (e) a declaration signed by the operator by virtue of which he confirms that he still satisfies the requirement of good conduct and repute and that from the date of issuance of the last certificate referred to in regulation 7

(1)(a), he has not been found guilty of any criminal offence in violation of the provisions of regulation 9. 6.

(1)An applicant for an operator’s licence shall, before being granted the licence, satisfy the Authority that he is of good repute and conduct. Requirements for an operator’s licence.

(2)Every applicant for an operator’s licence not being a natural person must indicate a designated person. The designated person may be the applicant himself, where the applicant is a physical person, or, where the applicant is a juridical person, the designated person may be a member or an official of such juridical person.

(3)(a) Where the applicant for an operator’s licence is a limited liability company, the requirements of sub-regulation

(1)must be satisfied by all the directors of the company as well as by the designated person. (b) Where the applicant for an operator’s licence is a partnership en commandite or a partnership en nom collectif as defined in the Companies Act, the requirements of subregulation

(1)must be satisfied by all the partners as well as by the designated person. (

c)Where the applicant for an operator’s licence is a legal person other than those identified in paragraphs (
a)and (b), the requirements of sub-regulation

(1)must be satisfied by all persons having the legal and, or juridical representation of such legal person as well as by the designated person.

(4)Where a designated person ceases to continuously and effectively manage the light vehicles passenger transport services operation, the operator shall, within twenty-one

(21)days from that occurrence, notify the Authority in writing and the Authority shall allow a period not exceeding three

(3)months within which the operator shall appoint another designated person who shall comply with the provisions of sub-regulation

(1).

(5)Where a person, other than the designated person, who is required to fulfil the requirement stipulated in sub-regulation

(1), ceases to occupy his post, the operator shall, within twenty-one

(21)days from such occurrence, notify the Authority in writing. Any new appointments to such posts shall be likewise notified to the Authority and shall be subject to its approval, which approval shall not be granted unless the persons so appointed fulfil the requirements of these regulations.

(6)Any person holding an operator’s licence issued by the    Cap. 386. 10 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES Authority as well as the designated person shall be obliged to inform the Authority in writing of any conviction against him, the designated person or any person referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of subregulation

(3), as the case may be, of any offence contemplated in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation

(1)of regulation 9 within twenty-one

(21)days from that conviction or, when an appeal is entered, within twenty

(20)days from when such appeal is decided.

(7)Any person who contravenes sub-regulation

(6)shall be guilty of an offence. Application for an operator’s licence. Amended by: L.N. 111 of 2023; L.N. 246 of 2023; L.N. 333 of 2024. 7.

(1)An application for the grant of an operator’s licence shall be made to the Authority and shall be in the form and contain such particulars as the Authority may require, and shall be submitted together with: (a) a certificate issued by the Police detailing any criminal offences and, or contraventions for which the applicant and, or the persons mentioned in regulation 6

(2)and, or 6

(3)may have been sentenced together with the punishment thereof: Provided that where the applicant and, or the persons mentioned in regulation 6

(2)and, or 6

(3)are not normally resident in Malta, an extract from a judicial record or, failing that, an equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority of the country of origin or the country from which such persons derive shall suffice: Provided further that where the country of origin or the country from where such persons derive does not issue such document, the said document may be replaced by a declaration on oath or by a solemn declaration made by the person concerned in front of a competent judicial or administrative authority or, where appropriate, a notary in that person’s country of origin or the country from where such person derives. Such authority or notary shall issue a certificate attesting the authenticity of the declaration on oath or solemn declaration; (b) particulars of the number and class or description of all light passenger transport vehicles available for use in the relevant light passenger transport services business or proposed business. The said vehicles shall be registered with the Authority; (c) centre; a declaration giving the details of its operating (d) in the case of an application for an operator’s license registering less than five

(5)motor vehicles, the applicant shall submit a form signed by him within which he LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 shall provide: (

i)a declaration that he has at his disposal the exclusive use of the garaging facility indicated on his license and specify under which title he is making exclusive use of the described facility; (
ii)the address of his operational centre; (iii) the address of the site and site plans of each described garaging facility; (
iv)the total number of parking spaces for each garaging facility; (
v)a declaration that these parking spaces are sufficient for the parking of all the light passenger transport vehicles that are registered under the operator’s license: Provided that when an applicant declares that the title under which he makes exclusive use of the described facility in terms of sub-paragraph (
i)is not a title of absolute ownership, the applicant shall also provide a declaration signed by the owner and, or any co-owner, wherein said person declares that he is authorising the applicant to enjoy the exclusive use of the described facility for a period that covers not less than twelve

(12)months from the issuance of the license. (e) in the case of an application for an operator’s license registering five

(5)motor vehicles or more, the applicant shall submit a form signed by him within which he shall provide: (

i)a declaration that the applicant has at his disposal for his exclusive use the garaging facility indicated on his license and specify under which title he is making exclusive use of the described facility; (
ii)the address of his operational centre; (iii) the relative development permit approving the use of the garaging facility in which the motor vehicles are parked as a public service garage, and provide the details of any such permit; 11 12 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES (
iv)the address of the site and site plans of each described garaging facility; (
v)the total number of parking spaces for each garaging facility; (
vi)a declaration that these parking spaces are sufficient to park all the light passenger transport vehicles that are registered under the operator’s license; and (vii) a report signed by a warranted architect that confirms the validity of the details submitted in terms of sub-paragraphs (
i)to (
vi)of this paragraph in relation to each garaging facility described in the operator’s license: Provided that when an applicant declares that the title under which he makes exclusive use of the described facility in terms of sub-paragraph (
i)is not a title of absolute ownership, the applicant shall also provide a declaration signed by the owner and, or any co-owner, wherein said person declares that he is authorising the applicant to enjoy the exclusive use of the described facility for a period that covers not less than twelve

(12)months from the issuance of the license.

(2)The documents prescribed in sub-regulation

(1)(a) shall not be accepted if produced more than three months after the date of issue.

(3)The Authority may require any particulars given by an applicant in relation to an application mentioned in sub-regulation

(1)to be contained in a statutory declaration or in a sworn affidavit in such manner as the Authority shall specify.

(4)An application for the grant of an operator’s licence shall be accompanied by the payment of the fee stipulated in the First Schedule: Provided that where the operator shall have more than one

(1)garaging facility, the application fee shall nevertheless be as stipulated in the First Schedule for all garaging facilities.

(5)In the event that an operator, in addition to an operator’s licence for light passenger transport services issued in terms of Part II , also holds an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services in terms of Part V, he shall be liable to the payment of the relative fee for both operator’s licences. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 8.

(1)An application for the issue of an operator’s licence shall be processed and decided upon by the Authority. 13 Decision on the granting of a licence.

(2)In the case that the operator’s licence is granted, the Authority shall provide the operator with a certified true copy of the operator’s licence for every light passenger transport vehicle covered by such licence. Such true copy shall be kept at all times in the said vehicle and shall be produced by the driver upon demand by an authorised inspecting officer.

(3)The decision of the Authority shall be sent by registered post to the applicant at the address specified in the application.

(4)Where the Authority intends to refuse an application, it shall give the applicant concerned notice in writing setting out the reasons for its intention to do so. Every notice of refusal shall state that the applicant has a right to make representations in writing, within ten

(10)days, to the Authority giving reasons why the application should not be refused, and the Authority shall consider any representations so made before arriving at a final decision. The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the applicant concerned.

(5)When an application is refused by the Authority, the applicant may appeal to the Tribunal against such decision within a period of twenty

(20)days from its notification. 9.

(1)A person shall not be deemed to satisfy the condition of good repute and conduct: (

a)if he has been found guilty of committing any crime contemplated in: Good repute and conduct. Amended by: L.N. 344 of 2022. (
i)Title I of Part II of Book First of the Criminal Code or articles 198, 199, 203, 203A, 204,204A, 204B, 204C, 205, 211, 212, 217 (in the event that a fire-arm was used for the commission of the offence), 220, 238(a), 248B, 248C, 248D of the Criminal Code; Cap. 9. (
ii)articles 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the White Slave Traffic (Suppression) Ordinance; Cap. 63. (iii) articles 40A, 40B, 120A and 120B of the Medical and Kindred Professions Ordinance;  Cap. 31. (
iv)articles 4, 5, 6(a), 7, 8(b), 8(c), 8(e), 11, 13

(2), 14

(3), 15, 15A, 16, 17, 18, 22

(1)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f), 22(1C), 22(1D)(a), 22(1E) and 22(3BA)

(5)of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance;  Cap. 101. (

v)articles 37, 38, 44, 50 and 61 of the Malta Armed Forces Act; Cap. 220. 14 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES (
b)for such period during which he is serving a sentence of imprisonment of at least one

(1)month; (c) for such period immediately following time spent serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term or terms of at least one

(1)month imposed on such person for a crime or crimes connected with violence committed on a person, which period shall be: (i) of three

(3)months for sentences of imprisonment for a term of at least six

(6)months and not more than two

(2)years; (ii) equal to one-fourth of the term of imprisonment for which such person was sentenced for sentences for terms of imprisonment of more than two

(2)years: Provided that where the applicant was less than eighteen

(18)years of age at the time of the commission of the offence the period referred to in paragraph (c), shall not be longer than two

(2)years. (d) if he has been found guilty of committing any corresponding offence under any law of a country or territory outside Malta.

(2)For the purposes of determining whether a person is of good repute and conduct in terms of sub-regulation

(1), the term "sentence" shall not include:  Cap. 446. (

a)a probation order issued in terms of article 7 of the Probation Act or article 5 of the Probation of Offenders Act and which has been complied with by the probationer or an absolute or conditional discharge issued under article 22 of the Probation Act or article 9 of the Probation of Offenders Act which has been complied with; or (
b)a sentence for the commission of an offence for which the offender has been pardoned by the President of Malta in terms of article 93

(1)of the Constitution of Malta: Provided that this paragraph shall only apply from the date on which the President of Malta has granted such pardon; or (

c)a sentence which is, at the moment of application, under appeal; or (
d)a sentence for the commission of an offence of possession for exclusive personal use mentioned in sub- LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 15 paragraphs (iii) and (
iv)of sub-regulation

(1)(a), which sentence was delivered at least three

(3)years before the date of application for an operator’s licence where the applicant has rehabilitated himself by means of a rehabilitation program and the applicant shall have no other sentence in these three

(3)years.

An operator shall maintain up to date and comprehensive records relating to all aspects of the light passenger transport services operation, including, but not limited to, records of all bookings, the statutory documents and books of accounts and employment or contracts of service agreements, at the operating centre. Operating centre.
The number of light passenger transport vehicles authorised on the operator’s licence may be varied at any time upon a request made in writing by the operator to the Authority; and upon approval he shall pay the fee stipulated in Part 1 of the First Schedule. Variation of number of vehicles on operator’s licence. 12.

(1)The Authority shall have the power to carry out random checks, whenever it deems necessary, in order to verify that an operator is carrying out his operations in accordance with the provisions of these regulations. For this purpose, the Authority may require the operator or any official or employee of the same to attend before it, or before a person appointed by it, at such time and place as it may specify, to answer questions and provide information and documentation with respect to the light passenger transport services of the operator. The Authority may take and keep copies of any documents furnished or provided under this regulation. A statement made and documentation provided in pursuance of this regulation may be used as evidence against the operator as well as against any person to whom they may relate. Such persons shall comply forthwith, and in no case later than twenty-four

(24)hours, with any request or order made by the Authority in terms of this regulation. Checks on compliance.

(2)An operator’s licence may be suspended or withdrawn on any of the following grounds: (

a)where the holder has supplied incorrect information to the Authority in relation to the issuance of a licence or any other matter connected thereto; or (
b)where the holder has breached any of the conditions of the licence and has not remedied such breach in spite of having been given written notice of the breach and a reasonable time in which to do so: Provided that, unless there exist gross acts of misconduct or negligence or any other serious grounds for immediate suspension, withdrawal or revocation, the operative date of such notice shall be not less than twenty-eight days from the date of notification. 16 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES

(3)Where an operator’s licence is suspended by the Authority of its own motion for any reason established in subregulation

(2), the operator may apply for the suspension to be removed following the lapse of fifteen

(15)days from the date when the breach leading to the suspension of the licence has been duly remedied to the satisfaction of the Authority.    Cap. 65.

(4)Any operator whose licence has been withdrawn in terms of these regulations and, or any other regulations issued in terms of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance and the Act may not apply for a new licence before the lapse of a period of two

(2)years from such withdrawal, and the Authority shall not consider any application made in contravention of this regulation: Provided that the provisions of this regulation shall not apply in cases where the licence has been withdrawn due to the fact that the applicant was not considered to be of good repute and conduct in terms of these regulations or other regulations made under the Act.

(5)An operator’s licence shall be revoked where the holder no longer satisfies the conditions laid down in regulation 6

(1): Provided that where the operator is not considered to be of good repute and conduct solely because any of the persons listed in regulations 6

(3)and, or 6

(4)do not comply with the provisions of regulation 6

(1), the operator’s licence shall be suspended until the operator substitutes such person with another person who fulfils the requirements of these regulations: Provided further that, where the operator fails to fulfil the above mentioned requirement within a period of three

(3)months from the date of the sentence or sentences in terms of which the person is not considered to be compliant with the requirements of regulation 6

(1), the licence shall be withdrawn ipso jure.

(6)A suspension or revocation in terms of this regulation shall be effected by the Authority of its own motion or by order of a court of criminal jurisdiction: Provided that, where the Authority intends to suspend or revoke an operator’s licence of its own motion, it shall give the operator concerned notice in writing setting out the reasons for its intention to do so. Every notice given shall state that the operator concerned may, within ten

(10)days from service thereof, make representations in writing to the Authority giving reasons why the operator’s licence should not be suspended or revoked and the Authority shall consider any representations so made before arriving at a final decision. The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the operator concerned. The operator concerned shall have the right to appeal to the Tribunal against the decision of the Authority to LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 17 suspend or revoke the operator’s licence within twenty

(20)days from notification of the Authority’s decision: Provided further that the suspension of the licence shall have immediate effect notwithstanding any appeal therefrom, unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal or by a court of criminal jurisdiction: Provided further that a decision of the Authority to revoke an operator’s licence shall not become operative until the expiration of the period within which an appeal may be made under this regulation and, if an appeal is made within such period, the decision shall become operative on the date of the decision of the Tribunal dismissing the appeal or the date on which the appeal is abandoned but, until such time, the licence shall remain suspended. 13.

(1)Any authorised inspecting officer of the Authority, upon the direction and under the authorisation of the Authority, may enter the operating centre of the operator for the purpose of obtaining information or documents which indicate whether the operator is complying with his obligations in terms of these regulations. Entry and search of operating centre.

(2)No authorised inspecting officer of the Authority may enter an operating centre after seven o’clock in the evening and before seven o’clock in the morning, unless there is reason to believe that delay could cause the loss of necessary information and the search is expressly authorised by the Authority to take place between the said times.

(3)For the purposes of any action taken under this regulation, the Authority may request the assistance of the Commissioner of Police, who may for such purpose exercise such powers as are vested in him for the prevention of offences and the enforcement of law and order.

(4)The Authority may take any documents found in the operating centre or copies thereof. Any documentation obtained by the Authority in pursuance of this regulation may be used in evidence against the operator as well as against any person to whom they may relate. 14. In the event of the death or physical or legal incapacity of the natural person in whose name the operator’s licence is granted in terms of regulation 5

(3), or of the designated person, the Authority may permit the continuance of the light passenger transport services operation on a temporary basis for a maximum period of nine

(9)months until the licence is transferred in the name of a third party. PART III LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES: OPERATORS’ Death or physical or legal incapacity. 18 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES OBLIGATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Standing and plying for hire prohibited. 15.

(1)ply for hire. No light passenger transport vehicle shall stand or

(2)Light passenger transport services may only be sold or booked from authorised commercial premises, from the operator’s offices or operating centre, online, by web application, by telephone, by mail or through authorised intermediaries.

(3)No person shall sell, or cause or permit another person to sell, light passenger transport services on the road.

(4)No person shall solicit, whether directly or indirectly, any other person in any location for any light passenger transport service. Fare levied for hire of light passenger transport vehicles. 16.

(1)The fees levied for the provision of light passenger transport services are to be publicised on the operator’s website and all other marketing media by virtue of which an operator chooses to advertise such services.

(2)Furthermore, when such services are booked by means of telephone, email or online, the prospective hirer shall have the right to request the precise amount of the fee which the operator shall levy for the requested service and the operator shall not have the right to charge a fee which is higher than the declared fee unless the hirer increases the length of the booked trip. Garaging and parking. Substituted by: L.N. 111 of 2023. Amended by: L.N. 246 of 2023. 17.

(1)An operator shall ensure that any light passenger transport vehicle used in his operations in terms of his operator’s licence shall, while it is not in use be garaged or parked off-street in the garaging facility described in accordance with his license: Provided that a light passenger transport vehicle that is not in use, but which is being driven by a driver who is available to be booked for hire during his working time or shift, or which is parked in accordance with the provisions of sub-regulation

(2), shall not be required to be garaged or parked off-street.

(2)Without prejudice to sub-regulation

(1), a light passenger transport vehicle that is not in use may be left parked legally on the road: (a) for a limited time not exceeding sixty

(60)minutes, provided that the driver of the vehicle shall exhibit a parking disc on the surface of the dashboard in a clear and visible position from the outer side of the windscreen and the driver shall set the parking disc to show as correctly as possible the time of his leaving the vehicle parked; and (b) at a straight line distance of not less than two LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 hundred and fifty

(250)meters from the taxi stands situated at the following locations: (

i)at all passenger ship berthing sites; (
ii)at the Malta International Airport; and (iii) in King Edward VII Avenue in Floriana; and (
c)at a straight line distance of not less than one hundred

(100)meters from all other taxi stands; and, or (d) at a straight line distance of not less than fifteen

(15)metres from any bus stop: Provided that this sub-regulation shall not apply to that time during which the driver of the vehicle is boarding passengers onto the vehicle or alighting passengers from the vehicle: Provided further that the time requirement stipulated in this sub-regulation shall not be applicable as long as the driver is and remains in the vehicle. However, the requirement of distance shall continue to apply.

(3)For the purpose of ensuring compliance with the distance requirement stipulated in this regulation, the Authority shall have the right to require light passenger transport service operators and holders of an authorisation to act as an intermediary booking service platform not to communicate by any means any booking requests or any related information to drivers that are located with their vehicles within the prohibited distances from taxi stands and bus stops.

(4)In the event that the operator is unable to make use of the garaging facilities described under his license, he shall within seven

(7)days bring this fact to the attention of the Authority. The Authority may grant the operator time to find alternative garaging facilities which shall be subject to the approval of the Authority.

(5)In the event that an operator applies to register further light passenger vehicles under an existing license, he shall ensure that any such further vehicles may be accommodated within the existing garaging facilities described in his license. In the event that the operator’s existing garaging facilities are insufficient to accommodate the increased number of motor vehicles, the operator shall apply to the Authority for the authorisation regarding the addition of the garaging facilities necessary to accommodate the increased number of vehicles.

(6)Any application in accordance with sub-regulations

(4)and

(5)shall be accompanied by all the information and documentation required in accordance with the provisions of 19 20 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES regulation 7

(1)(d) and (e), together with the payment of the necessary fees. Logging. 18.

(1)The operator shall be obliged to keep a log of the following information: (

a)the date and the time of departure and arrival of each light passenger transport vehicle hired from the operator; (
b)the name and driver’s permit number of the driver rendering the light passenger transport service; (
c)the name and relative details of the hirer.

(2)The operator shall be obliged to keep the record as stipulated in sub-regulation

(1)for a period of one

(1)year or as may be prescribed by the Authority from time to time. Refusal of service. 19. An operator shall not have the right to refuse to provide light passenger transport services to any hirer except on reasonable grounds, including, when it is clear from his demeanour, that the hirer is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or where the safety and security of the driver may be at risk. Driver apparel. 20.

(1)The driver shall, while on duty, wear clean appropriate clothing.

(2)The authorised inspecting officers shall have the power to order a driver to stop working if, in their opinion, the driver is not properly dressed. Prudent driving.

A driver shall drive the light passenger transport vehicle in a prudent manner so as not to create anxiety in passengers or make the passengers feel, in any way, unsafe. Closed doors whilst in motion.
Drivers shall ensure that all doors are securely closed whilst the light passenger transport vehicle is in motion. Boarding and alighting.
Drivers shall not allow passengers to board or alight from the light passenger transport vehicle unless that vehicle is at a complete standstill. No disturbances while driving.
A driver shall not play any audio device while carrying passengers on a light passenger transport vehicle, unless this has been agreed to with the hirer. Respect towards passengers.
A driver shall always act and behave in a manner which is respectful towards passengers. Replenishing fuel while passengers are on board is prohibited.
It is forbidden to replenish the fuel supply of any light passenger transport vehicle when passengers are on board. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 27.

(1)No passenger and, or driver may smoke while a light passenger transport vehicle is being used on hire. 21 Smoking.

(2)Every light passenger transport vehicle shall have affixed, in a place which is clearly visible to the passengers, a notice stipulating that smoking is not allowed within the said vehicle. 28.

(1)Where a light passenger transport vehicle is fitted with a surveillance camera, the camera shall be positioned in a way as to capture the back seat area of the vehicle. Surveillance camera.

(2)Light passenger transport vehicles fitted with a surveillance camera shall have affixed, in a place which is clearly visible to the passengers, a sticker denoting that the said vehicle is fitted with a surveillance camera.

(3)The surveillance camera shall be operated according to any specifications which may be issued by the Authority from time to time.

(4)The Police and the Authority may use any such recording as evidence in any case brought before the courts of criminal jurisdiction or in any case brought against a licence holder or driver for an infringement of these regulations.

In the event that the driver finds any property which may have been left by a passenger, he shall be obliged to hand over such property to the operator at the operating centre with immediate effect and the operator shall be obliged to communicate with the hirer in order to inform him of the lost property and make arrangements for its consignment. Lost property.
No driver shall carry a number of persons in the light passenger transport vehicle in excess of the number established in the vehicle’s registration certificate. Prohibition of overloading.
Drivers may, when driving a light passenger transport vehicle, use the lane of a carriageway indicated as a priority vehicle lane. Use of priority vehicle lane.
No driver shall drive any light passenger transport vehicle while wearing, or using on both ears, earphones or headphones or any other device which may hinder or is likely to hinder that person from hearing properly, with the exception of two-way communication systems and hands-free devices. Use of apparatus while driving. 33.

(1)Every light passenger transport vehicle shall be kept clean at all times by the operator. Vehicle to be clean and in good order.

(2)Every operator shall ensure that light passenger transport vehicles registered under his operator’s licence, including the equipment fitted thereon, are maintained in good order and in a good 22 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 state of repair at all times. Inflammable liquids.

No petrol or any other inflammable liquid or material may be carried in a light passenger transport vehicle. Emergency equipment
An operator shall ensure that every light passenger transport vehicle registered in his name shall, at all times, carry a fire extinguisher, a security triangle, and a first-aid kit, in such a position as to be available for immediate use in cases of emergency. Tracking device 36.

(1)An operator shall ensure that a tracking device is installed in each of the light passenger transport vehicles registered in his name and that such tracking device is kept in good working condition at all times and that any faults or breakdowns are reported immediately to the Authority.

(2)The operator shall not tamper with, nor allow any driver or third party to tamper with, the tracking devices installed in the light passenger transport vehicles registered in his name.

(3)When the tracking device installed in a light passenger transport vehicle is in any way defective or tampered with, the operator shall immediately withdraw such vehicle from service until the tracking device is repaired or replaced.

(4)The driver shall keep the tracking device switched on at all times while the vehicle is being used for the conveyancing of passengers and shall cause the device to record and transmit all such information as may be prescribed by the Authority. This information shall be retained by the operator for such period of time as may be prescribed by the Authority.

(5)The operator shall, at the request of the Authority, submit to the Authority the information recorded by the tracking device in any reasonable form as the Authority may request.

(6)The tracking device shall be inspected by the Authority or a body approved by the Authority, to ensure that it conforms to the technical specifications which are established by the Authority from time to time and upon establishing such conformity, an official seal shall be placed on such tracking device by the Authority or by a body approved by the Authority, and the operator shall ensure that such seal is not tampered with or broken at any time without the approval of the Authority. Wheelchair accessible light passenger transport vehicles. 37.

(1)Any person offering services for the transport of wheelchair-bound persons with the use of light passenger transport vehicles shall be duly registered and authorised for such purpose by the Authority.

(2)The Authority shall only register and license as LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 23 wheelchair accessible light passenger transport vehicles such vehicles which allow easy and unaided access to persons who make use of wheelchairs.

(3)No motor vehicle other than those duly licensed as a wheelchair accessible light passenger transport vehicle shall carry the sign prescribed in the Second Schedule or any similar sign which may mislead the public to believe that the particular motor vehicle is a wheelchair accessible light passenger transport vehicle. PART IV DRIVER’S PERMIT 38. No person shall act as a driver of light passenger transport vehicles unless he is in possession of a valid driver’s permit issued in accordance with these regulations. Driver’s permit. 39.

(1)An applicant for a driver’s permit shall, before being granted the authorisation, satisfy the Authority that he is: Conditions for obtaining a driver’s permit. Amended by: L.N. 186 of 2023. Substituted by: L.N. 148 of 2025. (

a)certified as medically fit to drive; (
b)in possession of the requisite skills to act as a driver in terms of regulation 40; and (
c)of good conduct and repute.

(2)In order to drive an M1 vehicle a driver shall be in possession of a valid driving licence issued by the Authority or by the competent authority of any other Member State of the European Union.

(3)In order to drive a motorcycle or a motor tricycle a driver shall be duly licensed in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.   S.L. 65.18.

(4)A driver shall be obliged to satisfy the conditions of this regulation at all times during the validity of the permit.

(5)Any driver holding a driver’s permit issued by the Authority shall be obliged to inform the Authority in writing of any conviction against him of any offence referred to in regulation 9

(1)(a) within twenty-one

(21)days from such conviction or, when an appeal is entered, within twenty

(20)days from when such appeal is decided.

(6)Any driver who contravenes sub-regulation

(3)shall be guilty of an offence. 40.

(1)An applicant for a driver’s permit shall be considered to have the requisite skills to act as a driver if he: (

a)attends training courses held or approved by the Skills to act as driver. 24 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES Authority based on the subjects listed in Part 1 of the Third Schedule; and (
b)passes a written or an oral examination held by the Authority or by a body approved by the Authority, based on the subjects addressed in the training courses referred to in the preceding paragraph.  S.L. 65. 18.     S.L. 499. 59.

(2)A driver who holds a certificate of professional competence issued in terms of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations or is already in possession of a Taxi Driver’s Permit issued under the Taxi Services Regulations, shall be exempt from the requirements of sub-regulation

(1)(

a)and (b). Good conduct and repute. 41. Regulation 9 shall apply mutatis mutandis for the purpose of determining whether an applicant for a driver’s permit is of good repute and conduct. Application for a driver’s permit. Amended by: L.N. 344 of 2021. 42. An application for the grant of a driver’s permit shall be submitted to the Authority in the form stipulated by the same and shall contain such particulars as the Authority may require. The said application shall be submitted together with: (
a)a certificate issued by the Police detailing any criminal offences and, or contraventions mentioned in regulation 9 for which the applicant may have been sentenced together with the punishment thereof: Provided that where the applicant is not normally resident in Malta, an extract from a judicial record or, failing that, an equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority of the country of origin or the country from which such persons derive shall suffice: Provided further that where the country of origin or the country from where such persons derive does not issue such document, the said document may be replaced by a declaration on oath or by a solemn declaration made by the person concerned in front of a competent judicial or administrative authority or, where appropriate, a notary in that person’s country of origin or the country from where such person derives. Such authority or notary shall issue a certificate attesting the authenticity of the declaration on oath or solemn declaration; (
b)the relevant application fee fixed by the Authority in terms of the First Schedule; (
c)a medical certificate; and LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 25 (
d)evidence of the skills to act as a driver required in terms of regulation 40. 43.

(1)An application for a driver’s permit shall be processed and decided upon by the Authority. Processing of application for a driver’s permit.

(2)The decision of the Authority shall be sent by registered post to the applicant at the address specified in the application.

(3)Where the Authority intends to refuse an application, it shall give the applicant concerned notice in writing setting out the reasons for its intention to do so. Every notice of refusal shall state that the applicant has a right to make representations in writing, within ten

(4)When an application is refused by the Authority, the applicant may appeal to the Tribunal against such decision within twenty

(20)days from its notification. 44.

(1)The Authority shall, upon granting a driver’s permit in accordance with these regulations, issue to the successful applicant, following the payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule, a driver’s tag evidencing that such person has been granted a driver’s permit.

(2)No person shall drive a light passenger transport vehicle unless his driving licence indicates that he has a driver’s permit.

(3)A driver’s permit and the driver’s tag shall be valid for a period of five

(5)years from the date on which the driver’s permit is granted or any other shorter period, specified thereon by the Authority, unless revoked or suspended, and shall not be transferable: Provided that within three months preceding the date of expiry of the said driver’s permit, and thereafter, the holder thereof shall be obliged to submit an application for renewal with the Authority in such manner and against such payment as may be prescribed by the Authority together with: (

a)a police conduct certificate; (
b)a signed declaration by virtue of which he confirms that he still satisfies the condition of good conduct and repute and that since the issuance of the last certificate referred to in regulation 42(
a)he has not been found guilty of any criminal offence in violation of the provisions of regulation 9 and 41; and Validity and evidence of permit. Amended by: L.N. 344 of 2021; L.N. 186 of 2023. 26 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES (
c)a valid driving licence issued by the Authority or by the competent authority of any other Member State of the European Union.

(4)Every driver shall, while driving a light passenger transport vehicle, fix the driver’s tag in the said vehicle in a position which shall be clearly visible to the passengers. Every driver shall while on duty but not driving a light passenger transport vehicle, wear the driver’s tag in a conspicuous place on the left side of his chest in a manner that it may easily be seen. Every driver shall produce the driver’s tag whenever requested to do so by an authorised inspecting officer.

(5)A driver who loses his tag shall immediately, and without delay, inform the Authority of such fact, and if the Authority is satisfied that such tag was lost, the Authority shall issue a replacement tag upon payment of a fee as prescribed in the First Schedule.

(6)In the event that the driver’s tag becomes discoloured, disfigured or is torn, the driver shall immediately return such tag to the Authority and the Authority shall issue a replacement tag free of charge: Provided that the holder of the driver’s tag shall be bound to make payment to the Authority of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule for the fourth and any subsequent replacement of a driver’s tag made within the tag’s validity period.

(7)A driver shall return the tag immediately to the Authority upon the revocation or the suspension of his driver’s permit or upon the expiration of the same, and the Authority shall give due receipt for the tag so returned. Suspension or revocation of permit. 45.

(1)The Authority may, at any time, require a driver to submit evidence that he continues to fulfil the requirements of regulation 39

(1)and the driver shall produce any information and documents requested by the Authority within the time frame stipulated by the Authority which shall in no case be less than three

(3)working days.

(2)A driver’s permit may be suspended or revoked on the following grounds: (

a)where the holder information to the Authority; or has supplied incorrect (
b)where the holder has breached any of the conditions of the driver’s permit; or (
c)where the holder infringements of these regulations. has committed serious LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33

(3)A driver’s permit shall be revoked where the holder no longer satisfies the conditions laid down in regulation 39

(1): Provided that where the person is not considered of good repute and conduct solely because he has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of more than one

(1)month but less than one

(1)year for committing a crime or crimes other than one which is connected with violence committed on a person, the driver’s permit shall not be revoked but shall be suspended for the period indicated in regulation 9

(1)(b).

(4)A suspension or revocation in terms of this regulation shall be effected by the Authority on its own motion or by order of a court of criminal jurisdiction: Provided that where the Authority intends to suspend or revoke a driver’s permit of its own motion, it shall give the driver concerned notice in writing setting out the reasons for its intention to do so. Every notice given shall state that the driver concerned may, within ten

(10)days from service thereof, make representations in writing to the Authority giving reasons why the driver’s permit should not be suspended or revoked and the Authority shall consider any representations so made before arriving at a final decision. The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the driver concerned. The driver concerned shall have the right to appeal to the Tribunal against the decision of the Authority to suspend or revoke the driver’s permit within twenty

(20)days from notification of the Authority’s decision: Provided further that the suspension of the licence shall have immediate effect notwithstanding any appeal therefrom, unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal or by a court of criminal jurisdiction: Provided further that when a driver’s permit is suspended for any reason other than because he no longer satisfies the requisite of good conduct and repute as established in these regulations, the person in question shall have the right to apply for the suspension to be removed following the lapse of fifteen

(15)days from the date when the reason for the suspension has ceased to exist: Provided further that, a decision of the Authority to revoke a driver’s permit shall not become operative until the expiration of the period within which an appeal may be made under this regulation and, if an appeal is made within such period, the decision shall become operative on the date of the decision of the Tribunal dismissing the appeal or the date on which the appeal is abandoned but until such time the driver permit shall remain suspended. 27 28 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33    Cap. 65.

(5)Any driver whose driver’s permit has been withdrawn in terms of these regulations and, or any other regulations issued in terms of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance and the Act may not apply for a new driver’s permit before the lapse of a period of two

(2)years from such withdrawal, and the Authority shall not consider any application made in contravention of this regulation: Provided that the provisions of this regulation shall not apply in cases where the driver’s permit has been withdrawn due to the fact that the applicant was not considered to be of good repute and conduct in terms of these regulations or other regulations made under the Act. PART V OPERATOR’S LICENCE FOR VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES Operator’s licence. 46.

(1)No person shall operate a vehicle hire service unless duly authorised under these regulations: Provided that no such authorisation shall be given unless the applicant intends to have registered and licensed for such purpose at least five

(5)motor vehicles and such authorisation shall be withdrawn by the Authority if it results, at any given time, that the number of vehicles being operated under the said authorisation is less than five

(5)motor vehicles.

(2)The Authority shall issue an operator’s licence to any undertaking that proposes to carry out vehicle hire services and satisfies the conditions of these regulations and other requirements which the Authority may establish.

(3)In order to qualify for an authorisation, an applicant: (

a)shall have an operating centre from where the service shall be administered; and (
b)shall declare that he has sufficient space to garage the vehicles whilst these are not hired or leased.

(4)An operator may have a number of garages and, or offstreet parking areas in which to keep the vehicles used for the purposes of the vehicle hire services, and all garages and, or off-street parking areas are to be registered on the operator’s licence which will be issued by the Authority in favour of the operator;

(5)An operator’s licence shall be issued in the name of a natural person authorised to represent the undertaking and may be transferred at a fee stipulated in Part V of the First Schedule, with the approval and written authorisation of the Authority, to any other party that satisfies the criteria established by law for the issuance of such a licence. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 29

(6)Once issued, an operator’s licence shall remain valid unless and until it is revoked, suspended or surrendered, provided that the operator submits, within one

(1)month preceding the first anniversary from the issue of the said licence, and every year thereafter, and the applicable fee stipulated in the First Schedule. 47.

(1)An application for the grant of an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services shall be made to the Authority and shall be in the form and contain such particulars as the Authority may require and shall be submitted together with: (

a)the details of the designated person who must continuously and effectively manage the operations and who, together with the operator, shall be liable for any penalties resulting from an infringement of these regulations; (
b)particulars of the number and class or description of motor vehicles available for use in the relevant vehicle hire services business or proposed business. The said vehicles shall be registered with the Authority; (
c)a declaration relative to the garages and, or offstreet parking areas in which the applicant intends to keep the vehicles which will be used in the vehicle hire services operation; (
d)the details of the operating centre from where the business will be conducted; and (
e)a declaration signed by the applicant whereby he undertakes not to leave any vehicle which shall be registered under his licence on the road whilst not rented or leased out.

(2)The Authority may require any particulars given by an applicant in relation to an application mentioned in sub-regulation

(1)to be contained in a statutory declaration or in a sworn affidavit in such manner as the Authority shall specify.

(3)An application for the grant of a vehicle hire services operator’s licence shall be accompanied by the fee stipulated in the First Schedule.

(4)Where an operator already established in Malta applies for any additional authorisation, or where an operator established in another Member State applies for authorisation from the Authority, the operator shall not be required to undergo requirements and controls which are equivalent or essentially comparable as regards their purpose to which the applicant is already subject in Malta or another Member State.

(5)Where an applicant is not already established in Malta or Application for an operator’s licence 30 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES in another Member State and proposes to act as an operator in more than one place in Malta in the same application process (Dual Application) or following the first application (Subsequent Application), the applicant shall: (

a)in the case of a Dual Application, not to be required to provide the information which is common to both places more than once but shall provide any information which is specific or particular to such additional places; and (
b)in the case of a Subsequent Application, provide only that information which was given in the original application and which is at the date of such subsequent application not valid anymore and provide that information which is specific or particular to such additional places in accordance with paragraph (a): Provided that the term "applicant" shall not include those applicants which have had their application or applications validly and conclusively refused by the Authority.

(6)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulations

(4)and

(5), the applicant shall still complete any application form as may be required by the Authority. Decision on the granting of a licence 48.

(1)An application for the issue of an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services shall be processed and decided upon by the Authority.

(2)In the case that the operator’s licence is granted, the Authority shall provide the operator with an Operator Licence Certificate which shall include the details of all the vehicles registered under such licence and such Certificate shall be displayed in a prominent place of the operating centre of the operator.

(3)The decision of the Authority shall be sent by registered post to the applicant at the address specified in the application.

(5)When an application is refused by the Authority, the applicant may appeal to the Tribunal against such decision within a LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 31 period of twenty

(20)days from its notification. 49. The provisions of regulations 10 to 14 contained in Part II shall also apply to vehicle hire services mutatis mutandis. Applicability of provisions. PART VI VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES: OBLIGATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE OPERATOR 50.

(1)The operator shall be obliged to have a proper office from which the vehicle hire services shall be administered. Requirement of office.

(2)Furthermore, the operator shall be obliged to designate a person who shall manage and administer such office and who shall be ultimately responsible to reply to any queries raised by hirers and to handle all matters of customer service. 51.

(1)The fees and conditions for the rental or leasing of vehicles are to be clearly publicized on the operator’s website and all other marketing media by virtue of which an operator chooses to advertise such services. Fees and Conditions for hire of vehicles.

(2)Furthermore, such fees and conditions are to be clearly explained to the hirer at the time of hiring a vehicle and are to be stipulated in clear and simple terms in the contract of rental or leasing which is to be signed between the operator or his representative and the hirer, a signed copy of which is to be given to the hirer. 52. An operator shall ensure that all vehicles registered under his licence and used in his operations are, at all times, garaged or parked off-street while not hired out. Garaging. 53.

(1)The operator shall be obliged to keep detailed records of all his operations including a log which shall contain details relative to every contract of hire including the date, length of time, the registration number of the hired vehicle and the full name, address and contact details of the hirer. Records.

(2)The operator shall be obliged to keep the record as stipulated in sub-regulation

(1)for a period of one

(1)year or as may be prescribed by the Authority from time to time.

All vehicles registered under the operator’s vehicle hire services licence are to be kept clean, well maintained and in good working order at all times. Vehicles to be clean and in good order.
Where a vehicle is rented or leased to a hirer, the operator shall be obliged to provide the hirer with a replacement vehicle from the same category or higher in the event of a break-down, traffic accident or theft so that the hirer may continue to make use of a hired vehicle for the entire duration of the contracted term. Replacement vehicle. 32 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES PART VII LIGHT PASSENGER AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES REGISTER Light Passenger and Vehicle Hire Services Register. Amended by: L.N. 246 of
56.

(1)The Authority shall set up and maintain a register to be known as the Light Passenger and Vehicle Hire Services Register, which shall be divided into Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV and Part V.

(2)In Part I of the Register there shall be registered the name, address and any other relevant details of any person or undertaking to whom an operator’s licence for light passenger transport services has been granted, together with such other particulars which the Authority may consider relevant including the details of the designated person, the operating centre and of the garaging facilities or premises where the motor vehicles registered under the said operator’s licence shall be kept when not in use.

(3)In Part II of the Register there shall be registered the name, address and any other relevant details of any person or undertaking to whom an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services has been granted, together with such other particulars which the Authority may consider relevant including the details of the designated person, the operating centre and of the garaging facilities or premises where the motor vehicles registered under the said operator’s licence shall be kept while not hired out.

(4)In Part III of the Register there shall be registered the name and address of every person to whom a driver’s permit has been issued, together with other particulars which the Authority may consider relevant, including: (

a)an indication of whether a driver is a selfemployed driver or otherwise, and (
b)the name of the operator or operators, if applicable, in whose operations the driver is engaged.

(5)Part IV of the Register shall be divided into Section 1 and Section 2. In Section 1 thereof there shall be listed the vehicles registered under the licences of light passenger transport services operators. In Section 2 thereof there shall be listed the vehicles registered under the licences of vehicle hire services operators. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are to be specifically referred to in Part IV of the Register. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 33

(6)In Part V of the Register there shall be registered the name, address and any other relevant details of any person or undertaking which shall be authorised by the Authority to act as an intermediary booking service platform, including the corresponding details of light passenger transport operators making use of such platform. 57. No operator shall employ as a driver in any light passenger transport services operation any person who is not registered in Part III of the Register. Employment of drivers. PART VIII LICENSED VEHICLES 58.

(1)Only vehicles registered under the operator’s licence of a light passenger transport services operation or of a vehicle hire services operation and included in the Register under Section 1 or Section 2, as the case may be, of Part IV of the said Register, may be used to carry out light passenger transport services or may be rented or leased, as the case may be. Only licensed vehicles may be used.

(2)Each licensed vehicle included under Section 1 of Part IV of Register shall be issued with a light passenger transport vehicle licence certifying that the said vehicle is authorised to carry passengers for hire or reward and is included in the Register. Such light passenger transport vehicle licence shall be issued by the Authority, subject to the payment of the fee stipulated in the First Schedule and shall indicate the operator’s licence under which the light passenger transport vehicle is registered in the Register, together with the vehicle registration number. The light passenger transport vehicle licence shall be affixed by the operator on the left-hand side of the windscreen of the vehicle in such a position as to be visible from the front.

(3)A light passenger transport vehicle registered under Section 1 of Part IV of the Register shall only be used for the light passenger transport services operations of the operator under whose licence it is registered.

(4)A light passenger transport vehicle may be driven by any person who holds a valid driver’s permit issued by the Authority in terms of these regulations. 59.

(1)No vehicle may be registered under Section 1 of Part IV of the Register unless it satisfies the following conditions: (

a)it is registered and licensed in terms of the Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles Regulations; Specifications of vehicles to be registered under Section 1 of Part IV of the Register.  Amended by: L.N. 336 of 2022; L.N. 111 of 2023.  S.L. 368. 02. 34 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES (
b)it is not of a white colour; (
c)it is a new vehicle, except for the following: (
i)vehicles of thirty-six

(36)months or less of age from the date of first registration used for hire having ‘QZ’ registration plates which can be converted to light passenger transport vehicles with ‘LY’ registration plates on condition that the colour of said vehicles cannot be white; (ii) certified vintage vehicles which may only be hired out specifically for special occasions, including weddings; and (iii) conditions: limousines which satisfy the following - are not of a white colour; have a maximum seating capacity of eight

(8)passengers in addition to the driver; - have ample leg space and head room; lighting; are fitted with adequate internal - are equipped with a tracking device; and are fit and safe for the conveyance of passengers:  S.L.

Provided that vehicles that are already licensed under a public service garage permit in terms of the Motor Vehicles Regulations on the day of coming into force of these regulations shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this sub-regulation and shall therefore be automatically included under Section 1 of Part IV of the Register: Provided further that the Authority shall not register or licence any additional light passenger transport vehicle under Section 1 of Part IV of the Register or under an operator’s licence during its period of validity if it results that the number of available parking spaces declared in the architect’s report required in terms of regulations 5

(4)(d) and 7

(1)(e) is exceeded and in such a case, the operator shall have the right to submit an updated architect’s report including any additional private parking spaces that may be available for his exclusive use. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 35

(2)All vehicles registered under Section 1 of Part IV of the Register shall bear a registration mark which shall include a letter followed by the letters ‘GY’ or ‘LY’ and three numbers: Provided that owners of vehicles bearing a registration mark which includes a letter followed by the letters ‘GY’ shall be allowed to change the registration marks thereof to one with a letter followed by the letters ‘LY’ on condition that such vehicles satisfy the requirements stipulated in sub-regulation

(1), with the exception of the requirement stipulated in paragraph (c) thereof.

(3)With the exception of certified vintage vehicles, which may only be hired out specifically for special occasions, including weddings, all motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers shall not be more than twenty-two

(22)years of age to be reckoned from the date of first registration: Provided that, with regard to such motor vehicles that are on the date of coming into force of these regulations already licensed for the carriage of passengers, this provision shall only apply following the lapse of four

(4)years from the date of coming into force of these regulations: Provided further that the owners of light passenger transport vehicles which are already in use and licensed and which are twenty-two

(22)years or older at the time of coming into force of these regulations shall be allowed to replace such vehicles with other vehicles which are not new but which are not older than two

(2)years to be reckoned from the date of first registration, and this by not later than forty eight

(48)months from the date of coming into force of these regulations. 60.

(1)No motor vehicle for hire may be registered under Section 2 of Part IV of the Register unless it satisfies the following conditions: (

a)it is registered and licensed in terms of the Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles Regulations; (
b)in the case of motor vehicles for hire used for the carriage of passengers: (
i)its maximum seating capacity is eight

(8)passengers in addition to the driver; and (

ii)Provided that: it is a new vehicle: Specifications of vehicles to be registered under Section 2 of Part IV of the Register.  Amended by: L.N. 336 of 2022; L.N. 182 of 2025.  S. L. 368. 02. 36 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES (
i)vehicles of thirty-six

(36)months of age or less, to be reckoned from the date of first registration, which are used for light passenger transport services having ‘LY’ registration plates may be converted to motor vehicles for hire with ‘QZ’ registration plates; (ii) in any event, the licence of a motor vehicle for hire used for the carriage of passengers shall not be renewed beyond fifteen

(15)years of age to be reckoned from the date of first registration of the vehicle: Provided that, with regard to motor vehicles for hire which are already in use and licensed for the carriage of passengers and which are fifteen

(15)years or older from the date of registration at the time of coming into force of these regulations, this provision shall only apply following the lapse of four

(4)years from the date of coming into force of these regulations: Provided further that the owners of motor vehicles for hire which are already in use and licensed for the carriage of passengers and which are fifteen

(15)years or older at the time of coming into force of these regulations shall be allowed to replace such vehicles with other vehicles which are not new but which are not older than two

(2)years to be reckoned from the date of first registration, and this by not later than forty eight

(48)months from the date of coming into force of these regulations: Provided further that the owners of motor vehicles for hire which are already in use and licensed for the carriage of passengers and which are fifteen

(15)years or older from the date of registration at the time of coming into force of these regulations shall be permitted to continue using such vehicles for the provision of vehicle hire services up to the 31st December, 2025; (iii) N1 motor vehicles for hire registered for the first time on the operator’s authorisation shall not be more than four

(4)years of age to be reckoned from the date of first registration and their licence shall not be renewed beyond fifteen

(15)years of age to be reckoned from the date of first registration of the vehicle; (iv) N2 motor vehicles for hire registered for the first time on the operator’s authorisation shall not be more than six

(6)years of age to be reckoned from the date of first registration and their licence shall not be renewed beyond twenty

(20)years of age to be reckoned from the LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 37 date of first registration of the vehicle; (

v)N3 motor vehicles for hire registered for the first time on the operator’s authorisation may be of any age and there shall be no age limit for their licence to be renewed; and (
vi)Special Purpose motor vehicles for hire and machinery without a chassis for hire registered for the first time on the operator’s authorization may be of any age and there shall be no age limit for their licence to be renewed: Provided that, with regard to motor vehicles referred to in sub-paragraphs (iii) and (
iv)which, on the date of coming into force of these regulations are already licensed as motor vehicles for hire, this provision shall only apply following the lapse of two

(2)years from the date of coming into force of these regulations.

(2)All vehicles registered under Section 2 of Part IV of the Register shall bear a registration mark which shall include two letters followed by the letter ‘K’ and three numbers, or a letter followed by the letters ‘QZ’ and three numbers: Provided that owners of vehicles bearing a registration mark which includes two letters followed by the letter ‘K’ shall be allowed to change the registration marks thereof to one which includes a letter followed by the letters ‘QZ’ on condition that such vehicles satisfy the requirements stipulated in sub-regulation

(1), with the exception of the requirement stipulated in paragraph (b)(ii) thereof. 61.

(1)All motor vehicles registered on the operator’s licence for light passenger transport services and vehicle hire services shall: (

a)policy; be duly covered by a third party liability insurance (
b)be kept in a good state of repair and maintenance; Requirements applicable to all vehicles Amended by: L.N. 246 of 2023. (
c)be duly registered and licensed with the Authority in terms of law; and (
d)have passed a vehicle roadworthiness test in terms of the Motor Vehicle (Roadworthiness Test) Regulations, where applicable.

(2)Notwithstanding the relative provisions of regulation 59, a light passenger transport vehicle licence or a motor vehicle for hire  S.L.

38 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES licence may be transferred to any other person, provided that if such person is an operator and intends to use the vehicle for his business, the operator shall be obliged to seek the prior authorisation by the Authority in accordance with regulation 17

(5). Inspections 62.

(1)The Authority may call in vehicles, whether registered under an operator’s licence for light passenger transport services or under an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services, for inspections, in which case the operator shall be obliged to comply without delay with such requests.

(2)If a licensed vehicle is not presented for inspection upon a request made by the Authority or if upon inspection by the Authority the vehicle is found to be in a state which is not fit for use and not fit and safe for the conveyance of passengers, the licence relative to such vehicle shall be suspended and the operator shall not have the right to continue to use such vehicle for the purposes of his operations until such vehicle is presented for inspection and, or its state is duly remedied to the satisfaction of the Authority. Advertisements. 63.

(1)A vehicle included in the Register may bear advertisements solely in the form of printed film stuck on its exterior.

(2)Where any advertisement, lettering or other printed matter is displayed in contravention of any law and, or any regulation issued thereunder, or an order of the Authority, the Authority may suspend the licence of such vehicle and the operator shall not have the right to continue to use such vehicle for the purposes of his operations until such state is duly remedied to the satisfaction of the Authority.

(3)Without prejudice to the above provisions, nothing shall be permitted to obstruct or otherwise interfere with the view of the driver or substantially hinder the view of passengers.

(4)The Authority may, in its complete discretion, order the removal of any advertisement. PART IX BOOKING PLATFORMS Intermediary booking platform service. 64. Any intermediary transport service provider which offers globalised internet-based services for the provision of light passenger transport services shall be obliged, in order to be able to operate in Malta, either to obtain an operator’s licence for light passenger transport services in terms of Part II or else to serve only as an intermediary booking service platform under a contract of service with licensed operators registered under Part I of the Register. Application for authorisation. 65.

(1)No person may act as an intermediary booking service platform without an authorization from the Authority. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33

(2)The Authority shall issue an authorisation to act as an intermediary booking service platform for light passenger transport services and to register under Part 5 of the Register any undertaking which shall file an application with the Authority for such purpose and satisfies the conditions of these regulations and other requirements which the Authority may establish.

(3)The application for such authorisation and registration shall be made to the Authority and shall be in the form and contain such particulars as the Authority may require, and shall be submitted together with: (

a)documents relative to the juridical personality of the undertaking together with the name, address and relative details of its members and officials; (
b)copies of contracts of service with licensed operators registered under Part 1 of the Register for whose services the undertaking shall act as an intermediary booking service platform; and (
c)the name, address and relative details of a designated person who shall have his ordinary residence in Malta who shall be responsible for all effects and purposes of these regulations for the operation and administration of the intermediary booking service platform.

(4)An application for the grant of an authorisation in terms of sub-regulation

(1)shall be accompanied by payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule.

(5)The authorisation shall be issued in the name of the undertaking having filed the application,and renewed every year, subject to the payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule, unless and until it is revoked, suspended or surrendered.

(6)The authorisation may be subject to any such conditions which the Authority, in its absolute discretion, may deem to be fit and proper to impose and the undertaking shall be obliged to abide by such conditions: Provided further that where an intermediary service provider provides a booking platform for operators of light passenger transport services, it shall: (

i)have an office established in Malta where all booking data shall be kept; (
ii)make all booking data available to the Authority at any time upon request by the Authority; 39 40 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 (iii) have notified the Authority in writing about its intention to provide such a booking service and has provided all details requested by the Authority; (
iv)make available to the client during a service booking operation and through the provision of the service the name and other contact details of the operator of light passenger transport services with whom the service has been booked and who shall ultimately provide the service. Decision on the granting of an authorization. 66.

(1)An application for the issue of an authorisation in terms of regulation 65 shall be processed and decided upon by the Authority.

(2)The decision of the Authority shall be sent by registered post to the applicant at the address specified in the application.

(4)When an application is refused by the Authority, the applicant may appeal to the Tribunal against such decision within a period of twenty

(20)days from its notification. PART X OFFENCES AND PENALTIES Criminal proceedings and penalties. 67.

(1)Any person who commits a breach of: (a) regulation 5

(1), (b) regulation 46

(1), shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (multa) not exceeding ten thousand euro (€10,000), or to imprisonment for a period of not more than six

(6)months, or to both such fine and imprisonment. Furthermore, the court may order the immediate revocation of any authorisation, licence or permit held in terms of these regulations by the person found guilty of such an offence.

(2)Any person who commits a breach of: (

a)regulation 38, LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES (
b)[ S.L. 65.33 regulation 58

(1), shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (ammenda) not exceeding three thousand euro (€3,000).

(3)Any person who commits a breach of regulation 72 shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (ammenda) of two hundred euro (€200).

(4)Any intermediary service provider who commits a breach of any of the conditions stipulated in regulations 64 and 65 shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than five hundred euro (€500) and not more than one thousand and two hundred euro (€1,200).

(5)A person who, for the purpose of obtaining, whether for himself or another, the grant or renewal of any licence, authorisation or permit in terms of these regulations, makes a declaration required by these regulations which he knows to be false, or submits false documentation, shall be guilty of a crime and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a period of not more than six

(6)months or to a fine (multa) not exceeding twelve thousand euro (€12,000), or to both such fine and imprisonment. Furthermore, the Court shall order the immediate revocation of the licence in relation to which the false declaration was made or the false documentation was submitted as well as any other licence, authorisation and/or permit held in terms of these regulations by the person found guilty of such crime.

(6)With regard to the offences and penalties stipulated in this regulation, the court shall order the Authority to impose on such person one penalty point for every ten euro (€10) or part thereof imposed on such person by way of a fine where such person is a holder of an operator’s licence, or a driver’s permit or an authorisation to act as an intermediary booking service platform, as the case may be.

(7)When a holder of an operator’s licence (being an operator’s licence for light passenger transport services or an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services) or a driver’s permit is found guilty of contravening any of the provisions of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or any regulations made thereunder, or the Act or any regulations made thereunder, the Court, Local Tribunal or other adjudicating authority shall notify the Authority of such fact, and the Authority shall impose on such person one penalty point for every ten euro (€10) or part thereof imposed on such person by way of a fine.      Cap. 65.

(8)With regard to the penalties established in subregulations

(2)and

(3), in the event that the same fact constitutes a violation of any of the provisions of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or any regulations made thereunder, or the Act or any regulations made thereunder which carries with it a higher penalty than the ones established in sub-regulations

(2)and

(3), such higher penalty shall    Cap. 65. 41 42 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES apply.

(9)Whosoever shall hinder or obstruct any authorised inspecting officer in the exercise of his powers or duties, or unduly or in any manner whatsoever interfere in the exercise thereof, or refuse to comply with any orders or directives which such authorised inspecting officer may give in the execution of his powers or duties, shall, on conviction, be liable, and without prejudice to any other law, to a fine (multa) of not less than one hundred and twenty euro (€120) and not exceeding two hundred and fifty euro (€250) for a first conviction, and to a fine (multa) of not less than two hundred and fifty euro (€250) and not exceeding one thousand and two hundred euro (€1,200) for each subsequent conviction. Penalty points and administrative penalties. 68.

(1)The Authority shall impose the administrative penalties prescribed in the Fourth Schedule and the corresponding penalty points calculated in terms of sub-regulation

(4)on any holder of an operator’s licence (being an operator’s licence for light passenger transport services or an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services) who contravenes the provisions of the regulations listed in the Fourth Schedule.

(2)The Authority shall impose the administrative penalties prescribed in the Fourth Schedule and the corresponding penalty points calculated in terms of sub-regulation

(4)on any driver who contravenes the provisions of the regulations included in the Fourth Schedule.

(3)Where the holder of an operator’s licence or driver’s permit contravenes the same provision of these regulations on five

(5)different occasions within a period of twelve

(12)consecutive months, the Authority shall impose upon that operator or driver, in addition to the administrative penalties prescribed in the Fourth Schedule and the corresponding penalty points calculated in terms of sub-regulation

(4), an additional twenty

(20)penalty points.

(4)The Authority shall impose one

(1)penalty point for every ten euro (€10) or part thereof imposed on a person by way of an administrative penalty in terms of this regulation: Provided that, notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation

(3), where a person contravenes the same provision of these regulations more than once within a period of six

(6)consecutive months, there shall be imposed upon him two

(2)penalty points for every ten euro (€10) or part thereof imposed upon him by order of the court or a local tribunal, as the case may be.

(5)Penalty points and administrative penalties shall be imposed by the Authority without recourse to a court hearing and may be imposed either as a one-time penalty or on a daily cumulative basis until compliance, provided that in the latter case the accumulated LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 43 penalty shall not exceed two thousand euro (€2,000) for the holder of a driver’s permit and five thousand euro (€5,000) per licensed vehicle for the holder of an operator’s licence.

(6)The Authority shall, before imposing an administrative penalty in terms of these regulations, inform the person on whom the penalty is imposed of its intention to do so by notice in writing. Every such notice shall state that the person concerned has a right to make representations in writing within ten

(10)days to the Authority, giving reasons why the administrative penalty should not be imposed, and the Authority shall consider any such representations before arriving at a final decision. The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the applicant concerned.

(7)Where a breach of these regulations is committed by an operator who is a natural person, the Authority shall hold the designated person liable in solidum with the operator for the payment of any administrative penalty, unless the designated person proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge and that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such breach.

(8)Where a breach of these regulations is committed by a partnership, company or other legal person, the Authority shall hold every person who at the time of the commission of the breach was a designated person, director, partner or other similar officer, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, or was a person having a power of representation or having an authority to take decisions on behalf of or having authority to exercise control within that partnership, company or other legal person, liable in solidum with the operator for the payment of any administrative penalty imposed on the operator unless such person proves that the breach was committed without his knowledge and that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such breach. 69.

(1)A person aggrieved by the decision of the Authority to impose administrative penalties and the corresponding penalty points may, within twenty

(20)days from the date when such decision is communicated to him, lodge an appeal therefrom with the Tribunal.

(2)The Tribunal may confirm, revoke or alter the administrative penalty and the corresponding penalty points imposed by the Authority. The administrative penalty, if any, as confirmed or modified by the Tribunal, and, or by the Court of Appeal, where an appeal on a point of law is lodged in terms of the Act, shall be recoverable by the Authority as a civil debt and the decision of the Tribunal or the Court of Appeal, as the case may be, shall constitute an executive title for all intents and purposes of the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure. Right of appeal from imposition of penalty points and administrative penalties. 44 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES

(3)If, upon the renewal of any licence or permit granted in terms of these regulations, the person in whose name such licence or permit is granted owes the Authority a civil debt in terms of subregulation

(2), such licence or permit shall not be renewed unless and until such time that the debt is settled in full.

(4)If at the moment that any check on compliance is carried out by the Authority, a civil debt in terms of sub-regulation

(2)is due by the operator to the Authority, the relative licence shall be suspended without the need of recourse to the Tribunal until such debt is settled in full. No criminal action when an administrative penalty is paid. 70. In the event that the Authority imposes an administrative penalty in terms of regulation 69 and the person on whom such penalty is imposed, pays such penalty to the Authority within thirty

(30)days from the date of receipt of intimation to pay, no criminal proceedings shall be instituted against such person in relation to the relative breach. Suspension or withdrawal of any licence or permit. 71.

(1)The Authority shall suspend for a period of one

(1)year an operator’s licence for light passenger transport vehicles if, at any time, he accumulates five hundred

(500)penalty points in terms of these regulations: Provided that where an operator has more than five

(5)light passenger transport vehicles registered on his operator’s licence, the said operator’s licence shall only be withdrawn if its holder accumulates a total amount of five hundred

(500)penalty points plus an additional twenty

(20)penalty points per vehicle registered under such operator’s licence.

(2)The provisions of sub-regulation

(1)shall also apply to an operator’s licence for vehicle hire services, mutatis mutandis.

(3)The Authority shall suspend for a period of one

(1)year a driver’s permit if, at any time, the driver accumulates two hundred

(200)penalty points in terms of these regulations.

(4)Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-regulations

(1)to

(3), the Authority shall not revoke an operator’s licence or a driver’s permit where the holder has entered an appeal before the Tribunal or a court from a decision of the Authority on the imposition of any of the accumulated penalty points.

(5)Where the holder of an operator’s licence or of a driver’s permit incurs less than sixteen

(16)penalty points within a period of thirty-six

(36)consecutive months, the Authority shall, on the lapse of such period, cancel all penalty points imposed on him, and shall notify the holder accordingly. LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 45

Where a driver’s permit has been suspended or revoked or is no longer in force, for any reason, the driver shall immediately forward his driving licence to the Authority and the Authority shall amend that driving licence accordingly. Driving licence to be amended by the Authority.
Where criminal proceedings have been instituted against an operator or a driver, whereby the said operator or driver is accused of any of the offences listed in regulation 9

(1)(a) and, if found guilty, will no longer satisfy the requisite of good conduct and repute necessary to hold an operator’s licence and, or driver’s permit, the licence and, or permit of such person shall be suspended until a definitive judgment is delivered in such proceedings. Suspension or withdrawal of licence and, or permit. 74. Any person whose licence and, or permit has been withdrawn in terms of these regulations and, or any other regulations issued in terms of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance and the Act may not apply for a new licence and, or permit before the lapse of a period of two

(2)years from such withdrawal, and the Authority shall not consider any application made in contravention of this regulation. Prohibition to apply for a licence and, or permit. Cap.

PART XI GENERAL AND TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Persons who on the date of the coming into force of these regulations hold a public service garage licence issued in terms of the Motor Vehicles Regulations, shall have twelve

(12)months from the coming into force of these regulations within which to convert their public service garage licence into an operator’s licence in terms of these regulations provided that they shall apply to the Authority for such conversion within six

(6)months from the coming into force of these regulations. Such conversion shall be effected by the Authority upon presentation of proof by such person of compliance with the requisites of Part II or of Part VI, as the case may be. Period for conversion of public service garage licence.  S.L.

Persons who, on the coming into force of these regulations, already hold a driver’s permit issued by the Authority in terms of regulation 130A of the Motor Vehicles Regulations, shall have the right to continue to make use of their current driver’s permit up to the date of its expiry, following which they shall be obliged to apply for and obtain a driver’s permit according to these regulations. Right to continue to make use of current driver’s permit. S.L.
An undertaking may apply for an operator’s licence: (a) to operate light passenger transport services; and, (b) to operate vehicle hire services: or Provided that the relative fee for both operator’s licences shall be applicable and payable by such undertaking. Both categories of operator’s licence. 46 [ S.L. 65.33 Transitory provision. Added by: L.N. 246 of 2023. Amended by: L.N. 269 of
LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES
Operators who, upon the coming in force of the definition "garaging facility" in regulation 2, the provisions of regulation 5

(4)(c) and (d), the provisions of regulation 7

(1)(d) and (e), and 7

(4), the provisions of regulation 17

(1),

(4),

(5)and

(6), the provisions of regulation 56

(2)and

(3)and the provisions of regulation 61

(2)are in possession of a valid operator’s license or have a pending application for the issuance of an operator’s license shall have twelve

(12)months from the coming into force of the mentioned regulations within which to comply with the said regulations. Any licence renewal shall be authorized subject to the condition that the operator complies with the said regulations within the period herein specified. Provided that those operators who have submitted any applications for the relative development permit for approving the use of the garaging facility in which the vehicles are parked as a public service garage before the Planning Authority, and said applications are still pending before the Planning Authority on the date of coming into force of this proviso, shall have until the 18 th April 2025 to comply with the provisions mentioned in this regulation: Provided further that those operators who have not yet submitted any new applications in accordance with regulation 7 and, or applications for renewal in accordance with regulation 5

(4)by the date of coming into force of this proviso, shall have until the 18 th December 2024 to submit any new applications in accordance with the said regulation 7 or any applications for renewal in accordance with the said regulation 5

(4), and once they have duly submitted their relative applications, they shall have until the 18 th April 2025 to comply with the provisions mentioned in this regulation. FIRST SCHEDULE (Regulations 5

(4), 42(b), 44

(5), 44

(6), 65

(4)) FEES Application fee for Light Passenger Transport Vehicle Services Operator Licence (under Part II) €200 Renewal fee for Light Passenger Transport Vehicle Services Operator Licence (under Part II) €200 Transfer of Operator Licence (under Part II) €50 Changes in Licence (under Part II) €25 Reissuing lost Licence (under Part II) €10 Application for granting and renewal of driver’s tag (under Part IV) €12 Transfer of Operator Licence (under Part V) €50 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 47 Changes in Operator Licence (under Part V) €25 Reissuing lost licence €10 Application fee for a Passenger Transport Vehicle Licence(under Part VIII €25 Application fee for Intermediary Booking Platform Service (under Part IX) €100 Renewal Fee (under Part IX €100 SECOND SCHEDULE (Regulation 37

(3)) Wheelchair accessible sign THIRD SCHEDULE (Regulation 40

(1)(a)) PART 1: 48 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 List of subjects to be covered in the training course to obtain a driver’s permit referred to in regulation 40

(1)(a):

Knowledge of vehicle characteristics and safety features including, inter alia: a. Knowledge of the characteristics of the transmission (gear) systems enabling a driver to make the best possible use of them; b. Knowledge of the technical characteristics and operation of the safety controls in order to control the vehicle (compliance with safety and security procedures), minimise wear and tear and prevent vehicle malfunction; and c. Ability to optimise fuel consumption and ECO driving skills.
including: Safety of driver, passengers and other road users a. Ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety including particular behaviour with elderly and passengers with special needs; b. Knowledge of legislation regulating the carriage of passengers, including a thorough knowledge of the Light Passenger Transport Services Regulations; c. Ability to assess and deal with emergency situations, including: i. First resuscitation) aid/CPR ii. Aggressive passengers. iii. d. including: or (cardiopulmonary drunken behaviour by Dealing with accidents Ability to prevent and deal with criminality, i. Refusal by the passenger to pay the fare or tariff ii. Passengers illegal activities. iii. requesting information Passengers requesting over-speeding. on LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES iv. passengers e. Passengers requesting overloading [ S.L. 65.33 of Correct use of speed; f. Physical fitness to drive a light passenger transport vehicle; and g. at work.
Awareness of the risks on the road and accidents Routes and destinations a. Thorough knowledge of routes, including the ability to provide shortest route and alternate routes; and b. Basic knowledge of prime tourist and commercial locations across Malta and Gozo
Interpersonal skills including: a. Customer Care b. Politeness c. Personal cleanliness Languages and competences a. English The ability to communicate in either Maltese or b. Basic computer literacy skills and adeptness within the use of e-mails, internet, navigation systems, digital applications and software.
Optional training with respect to the use of a wheelchair accessible light passenger transport vehicles: a. Maintaining wheel belts or wheel clamps in good working order; and b. Ability to safely install the wheelchair in the vehicle, backing the chair to the "fold down" seats, then securing both wheelchair brakes, secure seat belts/safety harness and also secure wheel belts/clamps if fitted to vehicle, ensure that the wheelchair and the person making use thereof are secure. PART 2: Organisation of the Examination 49 50 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES [ S.L. 65.33 The Authority or a body approved by the Authority shall organise a compulsory examination which may be written or oral to establish whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the subjects listed in Part I. FOURTH SCHEDULE (regulation 68) Amended by: L.N. 111 of
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES Column 1 Regulation Column 2 Administrative Penalties for Light Passenger Transport Operator Licence Holder Column 3 Administrative Penalties for Light Passenger Transport Drivers (€) (€) regulation 6

(6)100 regulation 10 200 regulation 11 200 regulation 15 500 regulation 16 200 regulation 17 regulation 17

(1),

(3)regulation 17

(2)500 500 500 500 regulation 18 200 regulation 19 200 regulation 20 50 regulation 21 250 Column 4 Administrative Penalties for Vehicle Hire Services Operator Licence Holder (€) LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES regulation 22 200 regulation 23 50 regulation 24 50 regulation 25 50 regulation 26 50 regulation 27 100 regulation 28 250 regulation 29 100 100 regulation 30 100 regulation 32 100 regulation 33 100 regulation 34 100 regulation 35 50 regulation 36 100 regulation 37 250 regulation 51 1,500 [ S.L. 65.33 100 250 regulation 52 200 regulation 53 200 regulation 54 100 regulation 55 100 regulation 57 250 51 52 [ S.L. 65.33 LIGHT PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES AND VEHICLE HIRE SERVICES

🔗 Għas-sors uffiċjali

AI explanation based on the official legal text. Indicative, not a substitute for legal advice.

L.S. 65.33 Regolamenti dwar Servizzi ta’ Ġarr ta’ Passiġġieri b’Vetturi Żgħar u Servizzi ta’ Kiri ta’ Vetturi