PART VII

THE MOTORIST

97. In Malta, traffic must keep to the left-hand side of the road.

98. All vehicles on the road must be duly licensed and insured at least against third-party risks and any person driving a motor vehicle must be in possession of a current driving licence valid for the type of vehicle you wish to drive.

99. Your driving licence must be signed (in ink).

100. Ensure that your vehicle is in a good state of repair and roadworthy in all respects and you are in receipt of a V. R. T. certificate if applicable. Give particular attention to the brakes, the steering mechanism, the tyres and the lights. Know your vehicle and its limitations. Have it regularly serviced and inspected.

101. Before hiring out or lending a vehicle, ensure that the vehicle is in a perfectly safe condition and that the person taking it on charge is in possession of a valid driving license for Malta, as well as being covered by an adequate insurance policy and fully understands and is capable of operating the controls of the particular vehicle.

102. An instructor taking a learner driver for a driving lesson must ensure that during the lesson the vehicle is provided with the regulation L-plates securely in place, and that the learner only drives the vehicle in the place and within the times specified in the permit issued in his name.

103. A person who has passed a driving test and obtained a driving licence should use special caution and circumspection and avoid heavy traffic for the first few months. A driving licence gives the qualification but not the skill. This comes with the right kind of experience but a driver should always be careful to guard against over-confidence.

104. Excessive speed increases both the possibility and the severity of accidents. Overspeeding and impatience are a sign of poor driving and jeopardise the safety of innocent persons. In the short distances normally travelled in Malta, the difference in journey time between a trip at breakneck speed and a safe and comfortable drive is to be counted in minutes.

105 The condition of your vehicle, of any trailer it is drawing and of any load, and the number of passengers and the way in which they are carried, are such that they do not endanger yourself or others. In particular, only two persons should occupy the front seats of vehicles of up to five persons capacity. It is highly recommended that children under 12 years should not ride in front seats unless unavoidable, nor should persons carrying children on their lap.

106 Use your vehicle in such a way as to cause the least possible inconvenience to others. Ensure that your engine works efficiently and silently and does not drip oils or emit noxious exhaust fumes and that your silencer is effective. In residential areas, sound your horn as sparingly as possible. In areas when the sounding of horns is prohibited at all times, and in all inhabited areas between 11.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m., you may only sound the horn in a real emergency.

107. No driver shall tow any other vehicle unless the tow rope or chain be so adjusted that the distance separating the nearest points of the motor vehicles shall not exceed 4.5 metres and steps shall be taken to render the tow rope or chain easily distinguishable by other users of the road by the attachment of a white rag.

108. As a driver

• you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits you to.
• you MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer.
• Check the weights shown in your car's handbook.
• you MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out in such a manner as to cause a hazard.
• when towing a caravan or trailer, the driver is to ensure that the towing vehicle's registration number is displayed at the rear of the caravan or trailer.
• make sure the weight is evenly distributed in your caravan or on your trailer to prevent the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control. If this does happen, reduce speed gently to regain control.
• it is highly recommended that an 'On Tow' sign is affixed and clearly visible at the rear of the towed vehicle.
• take all the necessary precautions, such as lights and cautious driving, when towing another vehicle afte dark.

109. Ensure your tyres are suited for the type of vehicle you are driving, regarding size and speed rating.

110. Note that recut tyres are not permitted on passenger vehicles below eight passenger seats and any vehicle below 2450kgs unladen weight.

111. Vehicles fitted with tyres marked with a maximum speed rating, must not exceed the speed so marked.

112. Tyres should be properly inflated. The tread pattern depth minimum of 1.6mm applies for a passenger carrying vehicle with not more than eight passenger seats and goods or dual purpose vehicles not exceeding 3500kg G. V. W. and 1.0mm tread pattern depth minimum applies for passenger carrying vehicles with more than eight passenger seats and goods vehicles over 3500kg.

113. Tyres should not have bulges, cuts, or internal repairs to the carcass.

114. It is not recommended to mix tyres of a different type or structure from another on the same axle.

115. A three or four wheeled vehicle fitted with single wheels must not have:

• a cross-ply or bias-belted tyre fitted on rear axle and radial-ply tyre fitted on front axle.
• a cross-ply or bias-belted tyre fitted on front axle and a radial-ply tyre fitted on rear axle.

116. Any tyre 'type' mix between different axles is acceptable for vehicles that have

• two axle and twin wheels on the rear axle.
• three axles, one steering and one driving.

117. This does not apply to vehicles with an axle fitted with 'super single' tyres having a road contact area at least 300mm wide.

118. Ensure all windows and windscreen surfaces should be clean and free of any obstructions. Licences, notices, permits, etc., are only allowed along the upper or lower edge on the left-hand side of the windscreen. Factory standard wipers or approved replacements should be fully functional and installed. Only factory standard tinted glass is allowed. Spray-on tints for glass are prohibited, as are curtains (or any similar fitment) used against the rear windscreen at night. Any alterations or other attachments to the windscreen must be authorised by the Licensing and Testing Department on request.

Make sure your windscreen is completely clear

119. Ensure your vehicle is fitted with the appropriate number of mirrors to enable you to see traffic behind you. Passenger cars manufactured after 1978 should at least have an internal and driver's side external mirror. However, all vehicles should have preferably an external mirror on either side so adjusted as to enable the driver to get good views on both sides and the rear of the vehicle.

120. Ensure your horn is in working order. No pneumatic (air) horns of any description are allowed.

121. Ensure your speedometer is in working order.

122. Ensure your exhaust system is efficient and its noise is within the acceptable limits.

123. Only factory standard bumpers are allowed. If removed, there should be no projecting surfaces (e.g. brackets or other parts) or cutting surfaces or edges. Even if factory options, no extra bars of any section or in any shape are allowed on any part of the vehicle. In accidental damage to the bodywork, projecting and pointed metal surfaces and edges should be rectified as soon as possible so as not to constitute danger to pedestrians. Mobile crane jibs should not project forward over 1.5 metres if their tip is less than 3 metres above ground level.

124. The load on your vehicle preferably should be is so secured that neither danger nor nuisance is caused by its falling or shifting or being blown off, and the load height should not endanger the stability of the vehicle.

125. Loads should preferably not project to the front. They should not project to the rear by more than 1/5 of

the length of the vehicle and should not reach the ground. It is suggested that 50 cm square red or yellow boards with total or partially reflective surfaces should be fixed at the tips of any load. Loads should not project sideways. They also must in no way hinder the driver's visibility.

126. The vehicle should have factory standard and/or factory approved headlamps, with bright/dip facility and properly adjusted. There should be no covering or colouring of any type over the lenses, and lamps on both sides should be working. There should be no light of any kind or for any purposes above headlamp level, except for specific purposes approved by the Police. Any extra lights must not throw light higher than the standard dipped beam, or else, must be wired so that they go out when dipped beam comes on. Any front coloured lights should have only the function of indicator/hazard lights, and only amber or orange is allowed. Side or parking lamps should only be white.

127. At the rear of all vehicles, including any trailer or towed vehicle, beside the number plate lights, there should be red tail (position) lamps and red reflectors: separate red brake (stop) lights of at least twice the intensity of the tail lamps and amber/orange indicator/hazard lights. All indicator lamps should flash at not less than five times in five seconds, and should be clearly visible from 50 metres in bright sunshine.

128. All the above rear lights should be higher than standard bumper level and at each extremity. Rear red fog lamps and reversing lights should not be over 21 watts. Reverse lights should be gear-change actuated, and if not, must have a bright dashboard-level warning light. There should be no other lights at all at the rear.

129. All vehicles, except passenger cars up to capacity of five, exceeding any one of the following dimensions, that is, 2.1 metres width, 2.25 metres height, and 6 metres lenght, in addition should have red lights at the rear, visible from following vehicles, indicating the four corners of their outline; if over 6 metres length, they must have red lights along the lowest edge of their bodywork, at no longer than 1.5 metre intervals, and of no more than 12 watts.

130. Any vehicle of an industrial or agricultural nature, including mechanical horses, of any size, shape or type, if not factory equipped with lights, should be made to comply with the requirements of the article above, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Police. In addition, the vehicle should have an amber/yellow/orange rotating light (blue Police car type) over the driver's cabin or at the height, and on the right-hand side of the centre line of the vehicle; the light is to function at any time when such vehicle is on the road, whether in use or not.

131. If your vehicle is a road tanker or a vehicle conveying a tank container carrying a prescribed hazardous substance, it must display the required hazard warning panels and that these are kept clear and free from obstruction.

132. Make sure that you are fit to drive. You MUST report to the vehicle licensing Department any health condition likely to affect your driving.

133. Driving when you are tired or in the heat of a summer's day greatly increases your accident risk.

• If you feel at all sleepy, stop in a safe place.
• the most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to take a short nap (up to 15 minutes) or drink, for example, two cups of strong coffee. Fresh air, exercise or turning up the radio may help for a short time, but are not as effective.

134. You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet - about five car lengths) in good daylight. If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times whilst driving.

135. At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or anything that restricts vision.

136. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT

drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 µg/100ml or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 mg/100ml.

Alcohol will

• give you a false sense of your ability to cope.
• reduce your co-ordination and slow down your reactions.
• affect your judgement of speed, distance and the risks involved.
• reduce your actual driving ability, even if you are below the legal limit.
• take time to work through your body; you may even be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening. If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport.

You MUST NEVER drive under the influence of drugs or reaction altering medicine. Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Using banned substances is highly dangerous. Never take them before driving; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and may result in serious or fatal road accidents.

It is your duty, whether as a motorist or as a pedestrian, to contribute to road safety. Independently of the rights and wrongs of the case, it is your duty to avoid an accident if it is within your power to do so.

137. If your vehicle breaks down

• get your vehicle off the road.
• if possible give adequate warning to other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle may cause an obstruction.
• if possible put a warning triangle on the road at least 50 metres behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other accepted warning devices if you have them.
• keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor.
• do not stand (or let anybody else stand), between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
• at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights.

Additional rules for Arterial roads

138. If your vehicle develops a problem:

• pull on to the hard shoulder or stop as far to the left as possible, with your wheels turned to the left.
• leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure your passengers do the same. You MUST leave any animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge.
• ensure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder, and that children are kept under control.
• use a mobile phone if available.
• never leave the vehicle unattended longer than is necessary to reach an emergency phone.
• give full details to the police; also inform them if you are a vulnerable motorist.
• return and wait near your vehicle (well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder).
• if you feel at risk from another person, return to your vehicle by a left-hand door and lock all doors. Leave your vehicle again as soon as you feel this danger has passed.

139. If you cannot get your vehicle off the carriageway on to the hard shoulder:

• switch on your hazard warning lights and if possible place a warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the broken vehicle.
• leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway.

If you have a disability which prevents you from following the above advice you should:

• stay in your vehicle.
• switch on your hazard warning lights.
• display a 'Help' pennant or, if you have a car or mobile telephone, contact the emergency services and be prepared to advise them of your location.

141. If you are involved in an accident which causes damage or injury to any other person or vehicle or to any animal, YOU MUST STOP. In the case of a front to rear collision you should exchange information as requested on the 'front to rear accident report'. (see separate Annex)

142. In all other cases the accident must be reported to the police and the vehicles not moved until the police accident report is drawn up. When required by the police, produce your driving licence, certificate of insurance and log book. The Police may allow you to produce them within 48 hours at an indicated Police Station.

143. If you see, hear or have reason to believe that emergency vehicles are in the vicinity be aware there may be an accident ahead.

144. When passing the scene of an accident do not be distracted or slow down unnecessarily (for example if an accident is on the other side of a dual carriageway). This may cause another accident or traffic congestion.

145. If you are involved in an accident or stop to give assistance:

• use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic.
• ask drivers to switch off their engines and stop smoking.
• arrange for the emergency services to be called immediately with full details of the accident location and any casualties. If you use a mobile phone, first make sure you have identified your location.
• move uninjured people away from the vehicles to safety; on an arterial road this should, if possible, be well away from the traffic, the hard shoulder and the central reservation.
• do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger from fire or explosion.
• do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential to do so.
• be prepared to give first aid, if you know how to.
• stay at the scene until emergency services arrive.

146. If you are involved in any other medical emergency you should contact the emergency services in the same way.

147. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages should be marked with plain orange reflective plates according to international regulations. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates.

148. If an accident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods, follow the advice written above and, in particular:

• switch off engines and DO NOT SMOKE.
• keep well away from the vehicle and do not be tempted to try to rescue casualties as you yourself could become one.
• call the emergency service and give as much information as possible about the labels and markings on the vehicle. DO NOT use mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads.

149. Before switching on the engine ensure that you are properly and comfortably seated and that the seat is firmly locked in position. Check the setting of your rear and side view mirrors, and see that both front and rear screens are clean and unobstructed. Do not leave any articles lying around which are likely to cause reflections in your field of vision. Use demisting on both front and rear screens when necessary. Do not wear shoes or dress which by being too loose or too tight-fitting might interfere with you driving. Protect your eyes from glare if necessary. Polarised glasses are particularly helpful in bright sunshine. Adopt a relaxed position but do not drive with your arm or hand hanging out of the window. Concentrate on your driving and avoid any distractions.

Check the blind spot before moving off

150. This section should be read by all drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. The Highway Code does not give you the right of way in any circumstance, but it advises you when you should give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an accident.

151. Before you move off, look round, even though you may have looked in your mirror, to see that no one is about to overtake you. Give proper signals before moving out, and only move off when you can do so safely and without inconvenience to other road users. Give way to passing and overtaking vehicles.

152. Ensure that the doors are properly closed and, if at night time, that your lights are on.

153. Try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. If pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step out into the road without seeing you.

Seat belt requirements

155. You SHOULD wear seatbelts in minibuses with an unladen weight of 2540kgs or less where available. You should wear them in large mini-buses and coaches where available.

156. Drivers who are carrying children in cars should ensure that:-

Make sure children wear the correct restraint

158. Do not drive too close to the vehicle ahead and drive at such a speed that you can pull up in good time if the vehicle ahead makes a sudden move and slows down or stops. The only safe rule is to never get closer than the overall stopping distance (see typical stopping distances and the 2 second rule under General Advice)

159. Allow at least a two second gap between you and the vehicle ahead on fast roads. Double this at least on wet roads, and increase it even further if there is mud on the road.

160. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance than cars to stop.

161. When following a vehicle on the open road, leave enough space in front of you for an overtaking vehicle; when another vehicle is overtaking you, do not increase your speed.

162. Where the carriageway is marked out by means of white lines, abide by such lines.

163. Never straddle or cross continuous white dividers, whether double or single, except in the following circumstances and only when it is safe to do so:

· to reach adjoining premises, unless there is a 'No Right Turn' sign prohibiting the turn.

· to enter a side road unless there is a 'No Right Turn' sign prohibiting the turn.

164. Broken white lines divide the carriageway into lanes and may be crossed with proper caution and after due notice to other traffic.

165. A continuous-cum-broken white line may be crossed only from the side of the broken line, with proper caution and after due notice to other traffic.

Reflective Road Studs

166. These may be used with white lines.

• White studs (Cats Eyes) mark the lanes or the middle of the road.

• Red studs mark the left edge of the road.
• Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway.
• Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys, side roads and slip roads.

167. Keep well within the traffic lanes. Do not drive over or astride the white lines.

168. Do not keep changing lanes. You MUST use the inner (i.e. left-hand) lane, except when overtaking or turning right. Signal in good time your intention to change lane after making sure that it is safe to do so.

170. Where the Single Carriageway is divided into three lanes, use the inner (i.e. left-hand) lane except when overtaking or where there are signs or light signals directing you to use the centre lane. Do not overtake if the centre lane is already occupied by an oncoming vehicle.

171. Remember you have no more right to use the middle lane than a driver coming from the opposite direction.

• do not use the right-hand lane.

172. On a three-lane Divided Carriageway you may stay in the middle lane when there are slower vehicles in the left-hand lane, but you should return to the left-hand lane, when you have passed them. The right-hand lane is for overtaking (or for right-turning traffic), if you

use it for overtaking move back into the middle lane and then into the left-hand lane as soon as you can, but without cutting in.

173. On a four-lane Divided Carriageway the same principles apply, that is use the lane as near to the left as possible, change only one lane at a time and use additional caution on account of the number of lanes.

174. These are provided on some hills. Use this lane if you are driving a slow moving vehicle or if there are vehicles behind you wishing to overtake.

175. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is safe to do so.

176. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or stop in a bus lane during its period of operation unless the signs indicate you may do so.

177. When the lanes are marked out by destination or when approaching a junction, take your position in time in the appropriate lane. When necessary give other vehicles the opportunity to change lanes.

178. If the lane you are travelling on is crossed by a transverse white line, called a Stop-Line, you must stop with your front wheels behind the line.

179. Do not drive over obstacle warning lines or striped islands. Consider these as physical barriers.

180. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST travel or park in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may sometimes have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use

• the left-hand lane when going left.
• the right-hand lane when going right.
• the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead. Remember - traffic could be passing on both sides.

181. Never overtake unless you are SURE that you can do so without danger to yourself or others. Be specially careful at dusk and in mist, when it is more difficult to judge speed and distance.

182. This rule does not necessarily apply in the following circumstances:

• when the driver in front has signalled his intention to turn right and you can safely overtake him on his left without inconveniencing other traffic, or when you are filtering to the left at a junction.
• in slow-moving congested traffic when vehicles in the lane on your right are moving more slowly than you are.

183. Before overtaking, give the appropriate signal, make certain that the vehicle you intend to overtake is aware of your intention, keep at a safe but not excessive distance from the vehicle being overtaken and return to the appropriate lane or side of the road as soon as practicable after overtaking. Do not cut in sharply in front of the vehicle you have just overtaken.

184. DO NOT OVERTAKE at or when approaching:

• a pedestrian crossing, pelican crossing or traffic lights.
• a road junction.
• a sharp corner or bend.
• the brow of a hill.
• a hidden dip.

• where the road narrows.
• when to do so would force another vehicle to swerve or reduce speed.
• when there is not enough space and where the visibility does not permit you to do so without danger.
• when there is a long stream or a convoy of vehicles ahead of you or a vehicle which is itself already overtaking or if overtaking is otherwise dangerous or difficult for the time being.

186. Give every facility to other vehicles wanting to overtake you. Allow an overtaking vehicle to get back into line. Do not accelerate while being overtaken or obstruct an overtaking vehicle.

187. Be careful of and considerate towards other road users. You should:

·• not get flustered if other drivers cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well.
• be tolerant because anyone can make a mistake.
• ignore anyone behaving badly on the road. Involve ment will only make the situation worse. Slow down or stop, calm down and when you feel composed, continue your journey.
• hold back if a vehicle pulls out into your path at a junction. Allow it to get clear. Do not over-react by driving too close behind it.

188. Avoid the distractions of:

• loud music (this may mask other sounds).
• trying to read maps.
• inserting a cassette or CD or tuning a radio.
• arguing with your passengers or other road users.
• eating and drinking.

189. It is your responsibility to exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Never use a hand mobile phone or microphone when driving. Using hands free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving - find a safe place to stop first. You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times.

190. You should:

• reduce the distance between you and the vehicle ahead to maintain traffic flow.
• never get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely (see the 2 second rule under General Advice).
• leave enough space to be able to manoeuvre if the vehicle in front breaks down or an emergency vehicle needs to get past.
• not change lanes to the left to overtake.
• allow access into and from side roads, as blocking these will add to congestion.

191. Narrow residential roads.

You should drive slowly and carefully especially in roads where there are no pavements or sidewalks where there are likely to be pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars, In some areas a 35 kph maximum speed limit may be in force. Look out for:

• vehicles emerging from junctions and garages.
• vehicles moving off (especially without signalling).
• pedestrians using the carriageway.

192. Signals alert other road users, including pedestrians, of your intended actions.

193. You should:

• give clear signals in plenty of time, after establishing it is not misleading to signal at that time.
• signal, before changing course or direction, either to the left or right, stopping or moving off.
• always check they are cancelled after use.
• make sure your signals will not confuse others. If, for instance you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. If you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. Your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down.
• use an arm signal to emphasise your signal if necesssary. Remember that signalling does not give you priority.

194. Also:

• watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe.
• be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled.

195. You MUST obey signals given by police officers and traffic wardens and signs used by school crossing patrols.

196. Before changing direction reduce speed and keep a watch on the traffic behind you by glancing in your mirror.

197. Before changing direction to the left, keep as much as possible to the left-hand kerb well in advance of the turning. If you wish to turn to the right, steer your vehicle as much as it is prudently possible to the centre of the road without, however, encroaching on the other half of the road. Do not swing out to the right before turning left, or vice versa.

198. In roads having more than one lane on each side, never switch abruptly to the right if you are on the left-hand lane, nor abruptly to the left if you are proceeding along the right-hand lane.

200. Before you reverse, make sure that there are no children or other persons or any obstruction in the blind area behind you. Remember that when reversing and turning, the front part of your vehicle will protrude further out into the street.

201. Do not reverse from a side road into a main road, unless it is unavoidable.

202. If your view to the rear is restricted, get help when reversing.

203. Do not reverse for a greater distance than is absolutely necessary.

204. Do not reverse on multi-lane carriageways.

205. Use extra care at junctions or intersections. Look out for the relevant traffic signs, traffic lights or carriageway markings and abide by them. STOP at STOP signs. Slow down and give way at GIVE WAY signs. Where there are no such signs exercise discretion and prudence.

206. Well before you turn at a junction take full account

of the position and movement of following traffic. Always signal your intention and, when safe to do so, take up the appropriate position. Wait until there is a safe gap between you and any approaching vehicles before you complete a right turn.

207. On turning at a junction look right, then left, then right again. Do not go on until you are sure that it is safe to do so. Do not rely on signals to go ahead given by unauthorised persons.

208. At police-controlled junctions let the police officer controlling traffic know clearly by your signal which way you want to go. Do not filter left when straight ahead traffic is held up unless you receive a signal to do so.

209. When crossing a dual carriageway, treat each carriageway separately, and if necessary wait at the central reservation, if any.

210. When waiting for other traffic at junctions, take up a position where your vehicle will not block other streams of traffic and, where waiting lines are provided, stop within such lines.

211. In a traffic hold-up, NEVER 'jump the queue' by cutting into another lane or by overtaking the vehicles waiting in front of you.

212. Unless otherwise indicated, traffic on the major road has right of way over traffic crossing, joining or leaving the major road.

213. At an intersection or junction of a major road and a minor road, traffic on the latter road should give way to traffic on or coming off the major road.

214. At the intersection or junction of roads of equivalent traffic importance, where vehicles approach the intersection or point of junction simultaneously priority should, unless otherwise indicated, be accorded to vehicles on the right. However, at T-junctions, the through road has priority over the branch road.

215. Do not carry out any manoeuvre even with the use of signals which may force other traffic to slow down or stop abruptly.

216. You MUST NOT:

• drive dangerously.
• drive without due care and attention.
• drive without reasonable consideration for other road users.

217. You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement or sidewalk except to gain lawful access to property.

218. Give instant priority of passage to fire engines, ambulances and police or emergency vehicles when you hear or see the acoustic or the light signal of such vehicles approaching your direction; in such case, drive to the side of the road and, if necessary, stop altogether.

220. Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular:

• do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit.
• take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution.
• where there are junctions, be prepared for vehicles emerging.
• in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority.
• when two vehicles going in opposite directions meet in a narrow stretch of road, unless signs indicate otherwise, the one nearest to the wider part of the road MUST reverse to let the other vehicle pass.
• when two vehicles going in opposite directions meet on a hill, unless signs indicate otherwise, the vehicle going uphill has priority over the vehicle going downhill.

221. When approaching a roundabout, watch out for traffic already on it. Take special care to look out for cyclists or motorcyclists ahead or to the side. Give way to traffic on your right unless road markings indicate otherwise; but keep moving if the way is clear. At some junctions there may be more than one roundabout. At each, apply the normal rules for roundabouts. Keep a special look out for the 'Give Way' signage.

222. Where there are two lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise:

When turning left:
Approach in the left-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout.

When going forward:
Approach in the left-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout. If conditions dictate (for example, if the left-hand lane is blocked), approach in the right-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout. If the roundabout itself is clear of other traffic, take the most convenient lane through the roundabout.

When turning right:
Approach in the right-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout.

223. When there are more than two lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise, use the clearest convenient lane on approach and through the roundabout suitable for the exit you intend to take.

224. When in a roundabout, look out for and show consideration to other vehicles crossing in front of you, especially those intending to leave by the next exit. Show particular consideration for cyclists and motorcyclists.

225. When turning left:

Use the left turn indicator on approach and through the roundabout.

Signals at roundabouts

When going forward:

Use the left turn indicator when passing the exit before the one to be taken.

When turning right:

Use the right turn indicator on approach, and maintain this signal until passing the exit before the one to be taken. Then change to the left turn indicator.

226. Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists and give them room. Allow for long vehicles which may have to take a different course, both on the approach to and in the roundabout.

227. These should be approached in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which may be physically incapable of doing so.

228. At double mini-roundabouts treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right.

Treat each roundabout seperately

Multiple roundabouts.

229. At some complex junctions, there may be a series of mini-roundabout at the intersection. Treat each mini-roundabout separately and follow the normal rules.

230. Do not take your right of way for granted if you have reason to suspect that the other vehicle is not conceding priority. You should still take the necessary action to avoid an accident.

231. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT - GIVE RIGHT OF WAY

232. Do not park or let your vehicles stand:

• where there is a parking prohibition.
• at or within 5 metres of a road junction.
• near a bend or the brow of a hill .
• on a footway, unless otherwise authorised.
• on or within 4 metres of a pedestrian crossing, from the side of oncoming traffic or within the limits of zig-zag lines on the approach side of the crossing.
• in a tunnel or under a bridge.
• in a main road or in a road carrying fast moving traffic, if such parking or standing affects the smooth flow of traffic.
• opposite or nearly opposite another standing vehicle, a refuge or other obstruction.
• alongside a stationary vehicle (double parking).
• within 12 metres on each side of any bus stop or fare stage.
• near a school or a hospital or doctors' entrance or where it will obscure a traffic sign.
• on the wrong side of a badly lit road at night.
• with the headlights on at night time.
• in such a position as to obstruct other parked vehicles.
• on traffic islands delineated by painted diagonal lines.
• in such a way as to impede access into or exit out of a garage.

233. Trailers and all vehicles with projecting loads, SHOULD NOT be left on a road at night without lights.

234. You MUST NOT park in spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders or residents, unless you are eligible to do so.

235. DO NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement unless there are signs that permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and inconvenience pedestrians, people with prams or pushchairs or wheelchairs and the visually impaired.

236. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force.

237. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) SHOULD NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle SHOULD NOT be left unattended.

238. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the road or upright No Parking signs which advise restrictions are in place.

239. You should park parallel to the kerb, unless there are parking bays which indicate otherwise. Motorcycles, however, should be parked at an angle not less than 45o to the kerb.

Parking on hills 240. If you park on a hill you should: • park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake. • select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill. • select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill. • use 'park' if your car has an automatic gearbox.

241. If the police want to stop your vehicle they will, where possible, attract your attention by:

• flashing blue lights or headlights or sounding their siren or horn.
• directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and or using the left indicator.

242. You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine.

243. Before stopping, signal your intention to do so in good time and when you draw up, pull in as close as possible to the kerb or edge of the road. Be sure that the engine is switched off, the hand-brake set securely and the gear is put in low or reverse before you leave the car (use 'park' if your car has an automatic gearbox). On an incline, turn the front wheels towards the kerb.

Check before opening your door

244. In disc zones, set the disc and display it in a prominent place on the dashboard.

245. At night always drive well within the limits of your lights so that you may stop in time if necessary.

246. Use dipped headlights at night in built up areas.

247. On unlit roads always use headlights. When meeting other vehicles and cyclists dip the headlights. If you are dazzled, slow down or stop. Extra lights may not be fitted, spot lights may only be operative when full beam is selected. Reverse lights may only work when reverse gear is selected or a separate dash board warning light shows when the reverse lights are on.

248. When driving behind another vehicle, dip the headlights.

249. Your vehicle's lights enable you to see and be seen. In daytime, whenever visibility is poor, switch on your lights and in mist use fog lights, if available and/or dipped headlights. Bright headlights reduce visibility in fog.

250. Never use your hazard warning lights when the vehicle is in motion unless reasonably required, such as an emergency.

251. All motor vehicles shall have stop lights, rear view mirror and direction indicators fitted. The direction indicators are to be so fitted as to be clearly visible from the front and from the rear. Motor vehicles, except motor cycles, shall have windscreen wipers. These fittings shall be maintained in good working order.

252. Red reflectors should only face to the rear. Headlights may be white or yellow. Side lamps show a white light to the front (or yellow if incorporated in a yellow headlamp). A rear lamp shows a red light to the rear.

253. Be sure your lights are on during lighting-up time, i.e. between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is limited due to weather conditions. See that your front and rear lamps and rear registration plate lamps are alight at night.

254. Pay attention to red warning lanterns or red reflecting triangles placed on the road; the road may be obstructed or an accident may have taken place.

255. If another driver flashes his headlights never assume that it is a signal to go. Use your own judgement and proceed with care.

256. When approaching a junction or when overtaking another vehicle during lighting up time, flash your headlights to give notice of your approach or manoeuvre - like sounding your horn, it lets another road user know you are there.

257. If an oncoming vehicle has undipped headlights you may attract its driver's attention by flashing for an instant but do not keep your headlights on in retaliation.

258. When driving through tunnels in Malta it is obligatory to:

• use lights.
• obey the speed limits shown.
• stay in lane through the entire length of the tunnel.

259. Horns give notice of your presence or approach, but do not give you any special rights. Use your horn sparingly and when necessary.

260. In built-up areas and especially at night, horns should be used only in an emergency.

261. Horns should be efficient and not cause any nuisance. Car radios or stereos should be used at a volume which will not inconvenience others and which will not impair the driver from hearing or driving properly. Drivers should not use headphones or anything else that may prevent them from hearing or driving properly.

262. When the 'Road Works Ahead' sign is displayed, you will need to be more watchful and look for additional signs providing more specific instructions.

• You MUST NOT exceed any temporary maximum speed limit.
• Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct.
• Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.
• Do not drive through an area marked off by traffic cones.
• Watch out for traffic entering or leaving the works area, but do not be distracted by what is going on there.
• Bear in mind that the road ahead may be obstructed by the works or by slow moving or stationary traffic.

263. Take special care on arterial and other high speed dual carriageways.

• One or more lanes may be closed to traffic and a lower speed limit may apply.
• Works vehicles that are slow moving or stationary with a large 'Keep Left' or 'Keep Right' sign on the back are sometimes used to close lanes for repairs.
• Check mirrors, slow down and change lanes if necessary.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

264. This means that you may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal and with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. The hard shoulder may be used for traffic, but be aware that there may be broken down vehicles ahead of you. Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead and observe any temporary speed limits.

265. When approaching a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING always be ready to slow down or to stop so as to give way to pedestrians; give them the right of way on these crossings. Signal to other drivers your intention to slow down or to stop. Allow yourself more time to stop when the road is wet or downhill.

266. DO NOT pass a vehicle which has stopped or slowed down at a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.

267. At pedestrian crossings controlled by light signals or by the police, give way to any pedestrian who is still crossing when the signal to move is given.

268. Watch for the pedestrian who comes out suddenly from behind stationary vehicles or other obstructions. Be specially careful of this near schools and bus stops.

269. When turning at a road junction give way to pedestrians who are crossing. On country roads watch out for pedestrians and give them plenty of room especially on left-hand bends.

270. Most pedestrians killed or seriously injured are either under 15 or over 60. The young and the elderly may not judge speed very well and may step into the road when you do not expect them. Watch out for blind people who may be carrying white sticks (white with two red reflectorised bands for deaf/blind people) or using guide dogs, and for the disabled or infirm. Give them plenty of time to cross the road. Remember that deaf people may not hear your vehicle approaching.

271. Take special care near children's play areas, as children at play may dash across the road without warning (such as to chase a ball).

272. Speed Limits

273. These are absolute maximum speeds, but there are numerous situations where prudence demands a lower speed in view of road surface and configuration, weather conditions, traffic density and presence of pedestrians or other hazards.

274. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions can be dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when:

• the road layout or condition presents hazard, such as bends.
• sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children, and motorcyclists.
• driving at night as it is harder to see other road users.

275. Any of the above speeds may be restricted by appropriate traffic signs. Ambulances, fire-engines, police cars and other emergency vehicles, using the siren and flashing light or other appropriate signal are exempt from the above speed limits.

276. Unless there are sufficient reasons to the contrary, do not drive at a speed below the average speed of the general traffic flow at the particular place and time.

277. Do not hold up a long queue of traffic. If you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle and the road is narrow or winding, or there is a lot of traffic coming towards you, you MUST pull in where you can do so safely so that other vehicles can overtake.

278. Never drive at such a speed that you cannot pull up within the distance that you can see to be clear.

Remember that your visibility is reduced at corners and over the crests of hills, and that your braking distance is greater downhill or when the road is wet or slippery.

279. You should:

• leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance (see Typical Stopping Distance diagram on page 69).
• allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying fast traffic. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads an increased still further on muddy roads.
• remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop.

280. You need a certain time to react in an emergency. Your reactions are slower if you are tired, sleepy, dazzled or if your faculties are in any way impaired. If you feel any signs of strain, slow down and double your caution, and if necessary stop at the first suitable place until you are rested.

282. On a dry road, a good car with good brakes and tyres and an alert driver will stop in the distances shown.

283. Remember these are the shortest stopping distances. Stopping distances increase greatly with wet and slippery roads, poor brakes and tyres, and a tired driver.

284. Skidding is caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. If skidding occurs, ease off the brake or accelerator and try to steer smoothly in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer quickly and smoothly to the right to recover.

Typical Stopping Distances