MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 65.19
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) 
REGULATIONS
1st May, 2004
LEGAL NOTICE 146 of 2003.
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
Regulations
Part I Preliminary 1 - 4
Part II  Admission to the Occupation of Road Haulage Operator 5 - 13
Part III  Social Measures 14 - 30
General Provisions 14
International Carriage of Goods 15 - 30
Part IV Market Access 31 - 59
Access to the National Market 31
Access to the Community Market 32 - 37
Access to the Market in ECMT Member Countries 38 - 47
Access to the Market in Other Countries 48
Access to the National Market by Non-resident Hauliers
established in Agreement States (Cabotage) 49 - 59
Part V  Use of Vehicles without Drivers under National Operation 60
Part VI Rates and Conditions for the Carriage of Goods by Road 61 - 62
Part VII Use of Goods Vehicles in Malta 63 - 73
Part VIII Combined Transport of Goods 74 - 77
Part IX Inspections 78 - 83
Part X Amending Provisions 84
SCHEDULES
First Schedule Part 1 - Haulier trading as sole trader/partnership – Accountant’s Report
Part 2 - Haulier trading as a limited liability company – Accountant’s
Report
Second Schedule Part 1 - Certificate of professional competence
Part 2 - List of subjects referred to in regulation 10 - Organisation of the
examination
Third Schedule Minimum training necessary for the award of a certificate of professional
competence for international drivers under the age of 21
Fourth Schedule Types of carriage to be exempted from authorisation 
Categories of transport exempted from permit requirements under the
ECMT
Fifth Schedule Authorisations for the international carriage of goods by road for hire or
reward
Sixth Schedule The ''green'' lorry scheme
The ''greener and safe'' lorry scheme
The ''EUR03 safe'' lorry scheme
Seventh Schedule Cabotage authorisation for the national carriage of goods by road in Malta
performed by a non-resident haulier (cabotage)
2 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
Eighth Schedule Book of record sheets for national cabotage transport operations carried
out under cabotage authorisation
Ninth Schedule Driver attestation for the international carriage of goods by road for hire
or reward under a Community Authorisation
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 3
PART I
PRELIMINARY
Title.
(Carriage of Goods by Road) Regulations.
Interpretation.
''agreement'' means an agreement between groups of states, to
which Malta is a party, reciprocally granting to citizens of such
states or their dependants the right to enter, remain and reside in
and leave the country of such state, to move freely within such
states for such period as may be established in the agreement and to
work or establish, provide or receive services therein; and
''Agreement State'' and ''citizen of an Agreement State'' shall be
construed accordingly; and where a state is a party to such an
agreement, subject to modifications and adaptations, a citizen of an
Agreement State shall be subject to such modifications or
adaptations as may be prescribed;
''authorisation'' means any permission given by a recognised
competent authority entitling the holder to carry out road haulage
operations;
''authorised inspecting officer'' means an officer appointed by the
Authority to carry out inspections under these regulations, an
officer of the Customs Department, or a Police Officer;
Cap. 332.
''Authority'' means the Malta Transport Authority as established
by the Malta Transport Authority Act;
''cabotage'' means the carrying out of national road haulage
services on a temporary basis (as may be defined by the Minister by
notice in the Gazette), by a non-resident haulier within the territory
of a country other than that in which he is resident or registered to
carry out such operations;
''carriage by road'' means any journey made on the public
highway of a vehicle used for the carriage of goods, whether laden
or not;
''combined transport'' means the transport of goods between
Agreement States where the vehicle uses the public highway on the
initial or final leg of the journey and, on the other leg uses rail,
inland waterway or maritime services, or a combination of two or
more modes of transport, where these portions of the journey
exceed 100 km in a straight line, and the vehicle makes the initial
or final leg of the journey on the public highway within a radius not
exceeding 150 km in a straight line from the inland waterway port
or seaport of loading or unloading;
''Community authorisation'' means an authorisation obtained by
an undertaking established in a Agreement State from the
competent authority in that State, or an authorisation issued by the
Authority permitting the holder to carry out haulage operations in
the Agreement States;
''Commissioner'' means the Commissioner of Police;
''country of establishment'' means that country in which the non-
4 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
resident haulier is established and registered;
''daily driving period'' means the driving period between any two
daily rest periods or between a daily rest period and a weekly rest
period;
S.L. 65.18
''driver'' means any person who drives the vehicle even for a
short period, or who is carried in the vehicle in order to be available
for driving if necessary and duly licensed in accordance with the
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations;
''driver’s mate'' means a person engaged by the haulier who shall
accompany the driver in order to assist him, excluding driving,
unless he is duly licensed to do so;
''ECMT'' means the European Conference of Ministers of
Transport;
''goods vehicle'' means rigid-bodied vehicles, tractors, trailers
and semi-trailers:
( a ) registered for carrying out road haulage operations in
Malta; or
( b ) registered for carrying out road haulage operations in
another country; or
( c ) a coupled combination of vehicles, the motor vehicle
of which at least is registered in the manner set out in
paragraphs ( a ) and ( b ) and which are used exclusively
for the carriage of goods:
Provided that for the purposes of these regulations a
vehicle is considered as a goods vehicle if it has a minimum gross
vehicle weight of 3,500 kg.
''haulier'' means a person or undertaking who carries out road
haulage operations whether for profit or otherwise;
''hire or reward'' means the carriage of goods other than on own
account;
''holder'' means the person in whose name a carriage licence or
cabotage licence is issued;
''normal residence'' means the place where a person habitually
lives, for at least 185 days in each calendar year, because of
personal and occupational ties, or, in the case of a person with no
occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links
between that person and the place where he is living:
Provided that, the normal residence of a person whose
occupational ties are in a different place from his personal ties and
who consequently lives in turn in different places situated in two or
more Agreement States shall be regarded as being the place of his
personal ties, provided that such person returns there regularly.
This last condition need not be met where the person is
living in an Agreement State in order to carry out a task of a
definite duration; attendance at a university or school shall not
imply taking up of normal residence;
''occupation of road haulage operator'' shall mean the activity of
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 5
any undertaking consisting of carriage by road for hire or reward by
means of a goods vehicle;
''own account'' refers to carriage by road provided the following
conditions are fulfilled:
( a ) the goods carried are the property of the undertaking
or have been sold, bought, let out on hire or hired,
produced, extracted, processed or repaired by the
undertaking;
( b ) the purpose of the journey is to carry the goods to or
from the undertaking or to move them, either inside
the undertaking or outside for its own requirements;
( c ) the motor vehicles used for such carriage are driven by
employees of the undertaking;
( d ) the vehicles carrying the goods are owned by the
undertaking or have been bought by it on deferred
terms or hired, provided that in the latter case they
meet the conditions of the regulations regulating
weights, dimensions and equipment for motor
vehicles; provided further that this paragraph shall not
apply to the use of a replacement vehicle during a
short breakdown of the vehicle normally used;
( e ) carriage is no more than ancillary to the overall
activities of the undertaking;
S.L. 65.18
''public highway'' means national, arterial, distributor, access and
local access roads as defined in the Motor Vehicles (Driving
Licences) Regulations, 2002;
''rest'' means any uninterrupted period of at least one hour during
which the driver may freely dispose of his time;
''rigid bodied vehicle'' means any mechanically self-propelled
vehicle circulating on the road, other than a vehicle running on
rails, and normally used for carrying goods;
''semi-trailer'' means a trailer without a front axle coupled in such
a way that a substantial part of its weight and of the weight of its
load is borne by the tractor or motor vehicle;
''tractor'' means any mechanically self-propelled vehicle
circulating on the road, other than a vehicle running on rails, and
specially designed to pull, push or move trailers, semi-trailers,
implements or machines;
''trailer'' means any vehicle designed to be coupled to a motor
vehicle or a tractor;
''undertaking'' means any natural person, any legal person,
whether profit-making or not, any association or group of persons
without legal personality, whether profit-making or not, or any
official body, whether having its own legal personality or being
dependent upon an authority having such personality;
''valid'' shall be associated with any legitimate licence as issued
by the competent authority, and to mean that such a licence is in
effect and current for the period stated on the licence by virtue of
6 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
the licence holder having met and continues to meet fully the
obligations in accordance with the regulations;
''week'' means the period between 00.00 hours on Monday and
24.00 hours on the following Sunday;
Inconsistencies 
with Motor 
Vehicles 
Regulations.
S.L. 65.11
3. If anything contained in these regulations which is
inconsistent or in conflict with the Motor Vehicles Regulations, the
present regulations shall prevail and to the extent of these
inconsistencies or conflicts the Motor Vehicles Regulations shall
be deemed to be null and void.
Professional 
secrecy.
Cap. 377.
4. Any information given to the Authority in pursuance of
these regulations shall be covered by the Professional Secrecy Act.
PART II
ADMISSION TO THE OCCUPATION OF ROAD HAULAGE 
OPERATOR
Authorisation. 5. No person shall engage in the occupation of road haulage
operator for hire or reward unless duly authorised. The Authority
shall issue such an authorisation if it is satisfied that the applicant
meets the conditions of these regulations.
Exemptions. 6. ( a ) The Authority may exempt from the application of all
or some of the provisions of regulation 7, road haulage
undertakings engaged exclusively in national transport
operations having only a minor impact on the transport
market because of:
- the nature of the goods carried, or
- the short distance involved.
( b ) In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the
Authority may grant a temporary exemption pending
its final decision.
(2) Road hauliers engaged in removal services, carriage of
building supplies, luggage transfer and courier services using
vehicles exclusively on national territory, the maximum authorised
weights of these vehicles being between 3.5 and 6 tonnes, shall be
exempt from authorisation.
Requirements to 
engage in the 
occupation of road 
haulage operator.
7. (1) A person wishing to engage in the occupation of road
haulage operator as set out in these regulations, shall:
( a ) be of good repute and conduct;
( b ) be of appropriate financial standing;
( c ) satisfy the condition as to professional competence.
(2) Where the applicant is a natural person and cannot satisfy
the requirement in subregulation (1)( c ), the Authority may
nevertheless permit that person to engage in the occupation of a
road haulage operator provided he designates to the Authority
another person who can satisfy subregulation (1)( a ) and ( c ), on
condition that the latter shall continuously and effectively manage
the road haulage operation in accordance with these regulations.
(3) Where the application is made by an undertaking that can
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 7
satisfy the requirement in subregulation (1)( b ), the requirements in
subregulation (1)( a ) and ( c ) must be satisfied by a natural person so
designated to the Authority who will continuously and effectively
manage the haulier in accordance with these regulations.
Good repute 
criterion.
8. A person shall not be deemed to satisfy the requirement of
good repute and conduct if he:
( a ) has been convicted of serious criminal offences,
including offences of a commercial nature during the
last five years, or of a crime carrying a conviction of a
term of imprisonment of, or exceeding three months or
a fine of at least two hundred liri; or of two or more
crimes connected with violence;
( b ) has been found guilty during the last two years of any
crime carrying a conviction for an offence concerning
the use of any motor vehicle;
( c ) has been declared unfit to pursue the occupation of
road haulage operator under any rules in force;
( d ) has been convicted of serious, repeated offences
against rules in force concerning:
- the pay and employment conditions in the
profession, or
- road transport, in particular the rules relating to
driving, the weights and dimensions and
carrying capacity of vehicles, road or vehicle
safety or damage to the environment;
( e ) has been convicted of any corresponding offence
under any law of a country or territory outside Malta:
Provided that the applicant was less than eighteen years of
age at the time of such a conviction in paragraphs ( a ) and ( b ) the
periods referred to shall be respectively two years and one year.
Appropriate 
financial standing.
9. (1) Appropriate financial standing of the undertaking shall
consist in having available sufficient resources to ensure proper
launching and proper administration thereafter of the undertaking.
(2) For the purposes of assessing financial standing, the
Authority shall have regard to the type of any operation and to the
following:
( a ) the annual accounts of the undertaking, if any;
( b ) the funds available, including cash at bank, overdraft
and loan facilities;
( c ) any assets, including property, which are available to
provide full or partial security for the undertaking;
( d ) costs, including purchase cost or initial payment for
vehicles, premises, plant and equipment, and working
capital.
(3) An applicant for, or holder of an authorisation issued under
regulation 5 shall not be considered to be of appropriate financial
standing unless he has available to him capital and reserves of an
8 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
amount equal to or exceeding the aggregate of: Lm 3,600 for the
first or only vehicle which is to be authorised under the licence and,
Lm 2,000 for each additional vehicle which is to be authorised.
(4) For the purpose of regulation 7, the Authority may accept
as evidence of financial standing confirmation or assurance given
by a bank or other suitably qualified financial establishment in the
format indicated in the First Schedule. Such confirmation may be
given in the form of a bank guarantee, a pledge or security, or by
any other means acceptable to the Authority.
Professional 
competence.
10. The conditions relating to professional competence shall be
satisfied if the applicant demonstrates that he possesses the
requisite skills by passing a written and, or oral examination,
corresponding to the level of training for either the National or
International operations as the case may be, organised by an
approved body in accordance with the syllabus in Part 2 of the
Third Schedule and is the holder of a certificate to that effect issued
by that body. Such certificate, in the format indicated in the Second
Schedule shall serve as proof of professional competence.
Exemptions. 11. (1) The Authority may exempt from written examination,
or part thereof, applicants who can provide proof of at least five
years’ practical experience as a road haulier in a managerial
position.
(2) The Authority may exempt from examination, or part
thereof, holders of certain diplomas or technical diplomas
equivalent, which provide proof of a sound knowledge of the
subjects covered in the relevant national and international syllabi.
Holders of a certificate of professional competence issued by other
Agreement States may be required by the Authority to take further
tests if the subjects covered therein do not correspond to the
requirements in Malta.
(3) Individuals or undertakings furnishing proof to the
Authority that they were authorised under Maltese rules to engage
in the profession of national and, or international road passenger
transport operator, on or before 1 January 1997, shall be deemed to
satisfy the requirements of regulation 7(1)( b ) and ( c ). The
requirement of regulation 7(1)( a ) shall be met by all applicants,
proof of which shall be submitted to the Authority at the time of
application.
Checks on 
compliance.
(4) The Authority shall require the haulier to submit evidence
at least every five years or at the Authority’s discretion that he
continues to fulfil the requirements of regulation 7(1).
Withdrawal of 
authorisation.
12. The Authority may withdraw an authorisation on the
following grounds:
( a ) where the holder no longer satisfies the conditions laid
down in regulation 7(1); or
( b ) where the holder has supplied incorrect information to
the Authority in relation to the issue or renewal of the
authorisation; or
( c ) where the holder has breached any of the conditions of
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 9
his authorisation and has not remedied such breach in
spite of his having been given written notice of the
breach and a reasonable time in which to do so.
Cap. 332.
( d ) In the event of serious infringements of these
regulations, the Authority may suspend the
authorisation. Such suspension shall be imposed
having regard to the seriousness of the infringement
and shall be subject to appeal before an appeals board
to be set up according to the provisions of the Malta
Transport Authority Act.
Where offences against the rules governing road haulage
have been committed by a non-resident haulier and might lead to
withdrawal of the authorisation to practise as a road haulage
operator, the Authority shall provide the Agreement State in which
the haulier is established with all the information in its possession
concerning those offences and the penalties imposed.
Death or other 
incapacity.
13. In the event of the death or physical or legal incapacity of
the natural person engaged in the profession of road haulage
operator or of the natural person who satisfies the requirements of
regulation 7(1), the Authority may permit the carrying on of the
business of a road passenger transport operator on a temporary
basis for a maximum period of one year, with extension for a
maximum period of six months. The Authority may, by way of
exception and in certain special cases, definitively authorise a
person not fulfilling the requirement of professional competence
referred to in regulation 10 to operate the undertaking provided that
such person possesses at least three years’ practical experience in
the day-to-day management of the undertaking
PART III
SOCIAL MEASURES
General provisions
Minimum age of 
drivers.
S.L. 65.18
14. The minimum age for drivers engaged in carriage of goods
by road shall be as specified in Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences)
Regulations.
International Carriage of Goods
Minimum ages of 
drivers engaged in 
international 
carriage of goods.
15. The minimum ages for drivers engaged in international
carriage of goods by road shall be as follows:
( a ) for vehicles, including, where appropriate, trailers or
semi-trailers, having a permissible maximum weight
of not more than 7.5 tonnes, 19 years;
( b ) for other vehicles:
- 21 years or
- 19 years provided that the person concerned
holds a certificate of professional competence
issued by the Authority or by the competent
authority of an Agreement State confirming that
he has completed a training course mentioned in
10 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
regulation 16.
Minimum level of 
training.
16. The minimum level of training for drivers aged over 19
years and under 21 to engage in the carriage of goods by road shall
consist of a course covering the subjects provided in the Third
Schedule.
Driving licence.
S.L. 65.18
17. (1) Drivers of the ages mentioned in the previous
regulation shall also have obtained a national driving licence for
vehicles intended for the carriage of goods by road under the Motor
Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.
(2) The programme and organisation of the course of
vocational training referred to in subregulation (1) shall be laid
down by the Authority. Proof that this training has been completed
shall be furnished by means of an examination or a check carried
out by the Authority.
(3) Upon completion of the said course, drivers referred to in
subregulation (1) shall undergo an examination or check to be
carried out by the Authority.
(4) Drivers carrying out national transport within Malta and
drivers carrying out international transport in vehicles registered in
Malta may be required by the Authority to undergo more extensive
training than that provided for in the Third Schedule.
Certificate of 
professional 
competence.
18. (1) The Authority shall issue a certificate of professional
competence to persons who meet the requirements laid down in
regulation 16.
(2) Rights acquired pursuant to the provisions referred to in
subregulation (1) prior to the entry into force of these regulations
shall remain valid in the same way as certificates issued pursuant to
these regulations.
Driver attestation 
for hauliers using 
drivers who are 
nationals of non-
Agreement State.
19. A driver attestation as contained in the Ninth Schedule
shall be issued by the Authority to any haulier who:
( a ) is the holder of a Community authorisation;
( b ) lawfully employs drivers who are nationals of non-
Agreement States in accordance with any laws or
regulations governing the conditions of employment
and vocational training in force in Malta or by any
collective agreement in accordance with such laws or
regulations.
Validity period. 20. The driver attestation shall be subject to a maximum
validity period of five years, a true copy of which shall be kept at
the haulier’s premises.
Minimum ages for 
drivers’ mates.
21. (1) The minimum age for drivers’ mates shall be 18 years.
(2) In the case of internal transport operations the Authority
may reduce the minimum age for drivers’ mates to 16 years on a
case-by-case basis, on condition that this is for purposes of
vocational training and subject to relevant employment legislation.
Applicability of 
AETR.
22. The European Agreement concerning the Work of Crews of
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 11
Vehicles engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) shall
apply instead of these regulations to international road transport
operations -
( a ) between Malta and countries that are Contracting
Parties to the AETR, or in transit through such
countries, for the whole of the journey where such
operations are carried out by vehicles registered in
Malta, an Agreement State or in one of the said third
countries;
( b ) between Malta and a country which is not a
Contracting Party to the AETR in the case of any
journey made within the Community or between Malta
and the Community where such operations are carried
out by vehicles registered in one of those countries.
Daily driving 
periods.
23. (1) ( a ) The daily driving period shall not exceed nine hours. It
may be extended twice in any one week to 10 hours.
( b ) A driver must, after no more than six daily driving
periods, take a weekly rest period as defined in
regulation 25(3).
( c ) The weekly rest period may be postponed until the end
of the twelfth day if the total driving time over the
twelve days does not exceed the maximum
corresponding to twelve daily driving periods.
(2) The total period of driving in any period of two consecutive
weeks shall not exceed 90 hours.
Breaks.
observe a break of at least 45 minutes, unless he begins a rest
period.
(2) This break may be replaced by breaks of at least 15 minutes
each distributed over the driving period or immediately after this
period in such a way as to comply with the provisions of
subregulation (1).
(3) During these breaks, the driver may not carry out any other
work. For the purposes of this regulation, the waiting time and time
not devoted to driving spent in a vehicle in motion, a ferry, or a
train shall not be regarded as ''other work''.
(4) The breaks observed under this regulation may not be
regarded as daily rest periods.
Daily rest period.
rest period of at least 11 consecutive hours, which may
be reduced to a minimum of nine consecutive hours not
more than three times in any one week, on condition
that an equivalent period of rest is granted as
compensation before the end of the following week.
( b ) On days when the rest is not reduced in accordance
with the first paragraph, it may be taken in two or three
separate periods during the 24-hour period, one of
which must be of at least eight consecutive hours. In
12 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
this case the minimum length of the rest shall be
increased to 12 hours.
(2) During each period of 30 hours when a vehicle is manned
by at least two drivers, each driver shall have a rest period of not
less than eight consecutive hours.
(3) In the course of each week, one of the rest periods referred
to in subregulations (1) and (2) shall be extended, by way of
weekly rest, to a total of 45 consecutive hours. This rest period may
be reduced to a minimum of 36 consecutive hours if taken at the
place where the vehicle is normally based or where the driver is
based, or to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours if taken elsewhere.
Each reduction shall be compensated by an equivalent rest taken en
bloc before the end of the third week following the week in
question.
(4) A weekly rest period which begins in one week and
continues into the following week may be attached to either of
these weeks.
(5) Any rest taken as compensation for the reduction of the
daily and, or weekly rest periods must be attached to another rest of
at least eight hours and shall be granted, at the request of the person
concerned, at the vehicle’s parking place or driver’s base.
(6) The daily rest period may be taken in a vehicle, as long as it
is fitted with a bunk and is stationary.
Interruption of 
daily rest period.
26. Notwithstanding regulation 23(1), a driver engaged in the
carriage of goods who accompanies a vehicle which is transported
by ferryboat or train, may interrupt the daily rest period once only,
provided the following conditions are fulfilled:
( a ) that part of the daily rest period spent on land must be
able to be taken before or after the portion of the daily
rest period taken on board the ferryboat or the train,
( b ) the period between the two portions of the daily rest
period must be as short as possible and may on no
account exceed one hour before embarkation or after
disembarkation, customs formalities being included in
the embarkation or disembarkation operations,
( c ) during both portions of the rest period the driver must
be able to have access to a bunk or couchette.
The daily rest period, interrupted in this way, shall be
increased by two hours
Payments to wage-
earning drivers.
27. Payments to wage-earning drivers, even in the form of
bonuses or wage supplements, related to distances travelled and, or
the amount of goods carried shall constitute an offence under these
regulations, unless these payments are of such a kind as not to
endanger road safety.
Road and personal 
safety.
28. Insofar as road safety is not thereby jeopardised and to
enable him to reach a suitable stopping place, the driver may depart
from the provisions of these regulations to the extent necessary to
ensure the safety of persons, of the vehicle or of its load. The driver
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 13
shall indicate the nature of and reason for his departure from those
provisions on the record sheet of the recording equipment or in his
duty roster.
Undertakings to 
organise drivers’ 
work.
29. (1) The undertaking shall organise drivers’ work in such a
way that drivers are able to comply with the relevant provisions of
these regulations and any other relevant legislation.
(2) The undertaking shall make periodic checks to ensure that
all legal requirements have been complied with. If breaches are
found to have occurred, the undertaking shall take appropriate steps
to prevent their repetition.
Exceptions.
of the provisions of regulations 15 to 29 to road haulage operations
carried out in exceptional circumstances, if such exceptions do not
seriously jeopardise the objectives of these regulations. In urgent
cases it may grant a temporary exception for a period not exceeding
thirty days.
PART IV
MARKET ACCESS
Access to the national market
Haulier’s licence.
using goods vehicles on a permanent basis, any undertaking must
be authorised as provided for in regulation 5.
(2) The Authority shall provide the holder with a certified true
copy of the authorisation for every vehicle for which it is to be
used.
(3) The vehicles for which the authorisation is being used shall
be at the exclusive disposal of the holder when hired, and must be
driven by employees of the holder or the holder himself.
(4) The Authority shall lay down such other rules as necessary
governing the requirements of national road haulage operations and
market access.
Access to the Community market
Liberalisation.
of carriage by road for hire or reward and on own account listed in
Part I of the Fourth Schedule where such carriage is performed to
or from or in transit through Malta are liberalised.
Exemptions.
conjunction with the types of carriage listed in Part I of the Fourth
Schedule shall be exempted from the requirement of obtaining an
authorisation under this Part.
International 
carriage of goods.
34. (1) The Authority shall issue a Community Licence in
accordance with the model set out in the Fifth Schedule to any road
haulage operator fulfilling the following conditions:
( a ) he is authorised under regulation 5;
( b ) he satisfies the conditions laid down in accordance
with rules in the Agreement States on the admission to
14 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
the occupation of road haulage operator in national
and international transport operations in accordance
with regulation 7;
( c ) he meets legal requirements on road safety as far as the
standards for drivers and vehicles are concerned.
(2) In order to carry out international road haulage operations
using goods vehicles between Malta and Agreement States for hire
and reward any carrier satisfying the criteria laid down in
subregulation (1) must hold a Community authorisation in
conjunction with a driver attestation if the driver is a national of a
non-Agreement State.
(3) The Authority shall issue the haulier with the original of a
Community authorisation, which shall be kept by the haulier, and
the number of certified true copies corresponding to the number of
vehicles used for the international carriage of goods at the disposal
of the holder of the Community authorisation, either in full
ownership or any other form, notably by virtue of an instalment-
purchase contract, a hire contract or a lease contract.
(4) The Community authorisation shall be issued in the name of
the haulier and shall be non-transferable. A certified true copy of
the Community licence shall be carried on the vehicle and shall be
presented at the request of any authorised inspecting officer.
(5) The Community licence shall be issued for a period of five
years and shall be renewable.
(6) The Community authorisation shall replace the document
issued by the Authority certifying that the carrier has access to the
market for the international carriage of goods or any prior
authorisation.
(7) When an application for a licence is submitted, and least
every 5 years thereafter, the Authority shall carry out a review
whether the haulier satisfies or continues to satisfy the conditions
established under these regulations.
(8) A Community authorisation shall also be valid for national
operations.
Rejecting an 
application.
35. If the conditions established under these regulations are not
satisfied, the Authority shall reject the application for the issue or
renewal of the application as the case may be, and shall give
reasons for such a decision.
Withdrawal of 
authorisation and 
attestation.
36. (1) The Authority may withdraw an authorisation on the
following grounds:
( a ) where the holder no longer satisfies the conditions laid
down in regulations 5 to 13 and 19; or
( b ) where the holder has supplied incorrect information to
the Authority in relation to the issue or renewal of the
authorisation.
(2) In the event of serious infringements or repeated minor
infringements of these regulations, the Authority may  inter alia
temporarily or partially suspend the authorisation and may
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 15
withdraw the driver attestation of such hauliers where they are
established in Malta and may also make the issue of driver
attestations subject to additional conditions in order to prevent use.
Such measures shall be imposed having regard to:
( a ) the seriousness of the infringement; and
( b ) the total number of certified copies of the
authorisation held by the holder in respect of
international traffic.
Appeals.
Cap. 332.
37. Any decision by the Authority in accordance with
regulation 36 shall be subject to appeal before an appeals board to
be set up according to the provisions of the Malta Transport
Authority Act.
Access to the market in ECMT member countries
Road haulage in 
ECMT Members.
38. The performance of road haulage operations to or from or
within ECMT member countries shall be subject to an ECMT
licence.
Obtaining ECMT 
licence.
39. (1) Such licence shall be obtained upon an application
being submitted in writing to the Authority accompanied by a
manufacturer’s certificate of conformity in accordance with
guidelines contained in the Sixth Schedule and any information it
may require for this purpose.
(2) The Authority shall recognise ECMT licences issued in
other ECMT member countries.
(3) An ECMT licence shall only be valid for one vehicle at any
one time, and shall be carried on board the vehicle for the entire
journey.
Use of ECMT 
licence.
40. The ECMT licence holder may also use such licences for
vehicles which are leased or hired without driver.
Vehicle covered by 
licence.
41. (1) The vehicle for which the ECMT licence is being used
shall be at the exclusive disposal of the holder when hired, and
must be driven by employees of the holder or the holder himself.
(2) The following must also be kept in the vehicle:
( a ) the contract of hire, or a certified extract from that
contract giving in particular the name of the lessor, the
name of the lessee, the date and duration of the
contract and the vehicle identification number;
( b ) where the driver is not the person hiring the vehicle,
the driver’s employment contract or a certified extract
from that contract giving in particular the name of
employer, the name of the employee and the date and
duration of the employment contract, or a recent pay
slip.
(3) Where the Authority deems it necessary, it may replace the
documents referred to in subregulation (2) by an equivalent
document issued for that purpose.
(4) An ECMT licence is non-transferable.
16 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
Name of person 
operating the 
vehicle.
42. The name of the person operating the vehicle on behalf of
the lessor shall appear on the first page of the licence.
Exemptions. 43. The transport operations described in Part II of the Fourth
Schedule shall be exempt from the requirement of an ECMT
licence.
Logbook. 44. (1) The holder of an ECMT licence shall keep a logbook,
in the format prescribed by the Authority and made out in his name.
Such logbooks shall not be transferable.
(2) The logbook shall bear the same number as the ECMT
licence to which it refers and shall be kept on board the vehicle
together with such licence.
(3) The haulier shall produce the logbook for inspection upon
demand by an authorised inspecting officer, who may then stamp
the logbook.
Requirements for 
validity.
45. (1) An ECMT licence shall be invalid if it does not
contain the following particulars entered indelibly:
( a ) name or business name and full address of the
undertaking;
( b ) signature and stamp of the body issuing the licence;
( c ) dates on which the validity of the licence begins and
ends;
( d ) date of issue of the licence.
( e ) Licences for ''green'' or ''greener and safe'' or ''EUR03
safe'' vehicles, as defined in the Sixth Schedule, are
also considered invalid, if a spot check shows that the
emission or safety requirements laid down for such
vehicles are not fulfilled.
(2) Licences may be withdrawn by the Authority, more
particularly in the event of serious or repeated infringements and in
cases of insufficient use or use for bilateral transport operations
only.
(3) In case that it is discovered that a forged, lost or stolen
ECMT licence is being used, or that an EMCT licence is being used
by a haulier other than the licence holder or in case of use of a
forged certificate, the licence is to be withdrawn immediately and
communicated to the competent authority in the country of the
haulier’s registration.
(4) Likewise if it is discovered that an outdated or expired
ECMT licence is being used, it shall be withdrawn immediately and
communicated to the relevant authority.
Withdrawn or 
surrendered ECMT 
licences.
46. Licences that are withdrawn or surrendered may be re-
issued to other hauliers for the remaining period of validity. In such
cases, licences shall be cancelled and replaced by a reserve licence
before being issued to another haulier for the remaining period of
time.
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 17
Cancellation or 
replacements of 
ECMT Licences.
47. (1) Where licences are cancelled or replaced, the
Authority shall inform the ECMT Secretariat.
(2) Similarly, forged certificates for ''green'' or ''greener and
safe'' or ''EUR03 safe'' vehicles shall be transmitted to the
competent authority of the country in which the vehicle is
registered.
(3) In cases where a licence is lost or stolen, the issuing
Authority or body must be notified immediately. The Authority
may replace it by another licence for the remaining period of
validity.
(4) The Authority shall notify the ECMT Secretariat of the
serial numbers of lost or stolen licences and of their replacements.
Access to the market in other countries
Bilateral 
agreements.
48. The Authority shall by means of regulations determine the
conditions for market access relating to countries with which Malta
has bilateral agreements other than Agreement States or ECMT
member countries subject to the provisions of such agreements.
Access to the national market by non-resident hauliers established 
in Agreement States (‘Cabotage’)
Entitlement to 
carry out cabotage.
49. Any haulier for hire or reward who is a holder of a
Community authorisation and whose driver, if he is a national of a
non-Agreement State, holds a driver attestation, shall be entitled,
under the conditions laid down in these regulations, to carry out
cabotage operations on a temporary basis in Malta, without having
a registered office or other establishment in Malta.
Own account.
cabotage operations on an ''own account'' basis.
Format.
in the format indicated in the Seventh Schedule.
Holders.
haulier and shall not be transferable.
(2) A cabotage authorisation may only be issued for one
vehicle at a time.
(3) Undertakings entitled in Malta to carry out road haulage
operations on own account shall be entitled to receive the cabotage
authorisations in accordance with these regulations under the same
conditions as undertakings performing road haulage operations for
hire or reward.
Title of vehicles.
either under full ownership or under any other title including a hire-
purchase, hire or leasing contract.
Hiring by a haulier.
haulier in the Agreement State of establishment to carry out
cabotage operations. However, in order to complete a cabotage
operation interrupted because of a breakdown or an accident, the
non-resident haulier may hire a vehicle in Malta under the same
conditions as resident hauliers and the cabotage licence may be
18 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
transferred to this replacement vehicle. The Authority shall be
informed of this transfer.
(2) The cabotage authorisation and the hiring contract, if any,
shall be kept in the motor vehicle.
(3) The cabotage authorisation must be produced whenever
requested by authorised inspecting officers.
Period of validity. 55. The period of validity of a cabotage authorisation must be
entered on the authorisation by the Authority.
Book of record 
sheets.
56. (1) Transport operations effected under a cabotage
authorisation shall be entered in a book of record sheets and the
sheets shall be returned with the authorisation to the Authority
within eight days of the expiry of the authorisation.
(2) The book of record sheets shall correspond to the format
indicated in the Eighth Schedule.
Conditions. 57. The performance of cabotage transport operations shall be
subject to any law, regulation or other measure in force in Malta, in
particular relating to:
( a ) the rates and conditions governing the transport
contract;
( b ) weights and dimensions of road vehicles shall meet the
conditions of the regulations regulating weights,
dimensions and equipment for motor vehicles;
( c ) requirements relating to the carriage of certain
categories of goods, in particular dangerous goods,
perishable foodstuffs and live animals;
( d ) driving and rest time;
( e ) value added tax (VAT) on transport services.
Provided that this regulation shall apply equally to resident
and non-resident hauliers established in the Agreement States.
Production of 
authorisation.
58. The Community authorisation or a certified true copy
thereof shall be kept on board the vehicle and shall be produced
when requested by any authorised inspecting officer.
Technical 
standards.
59. The technical standards of construction and equipment of
vehicles used to carry out cabotage operations shall comply with
the requirements for vehicles put into circulation in international
transport.
PART V
USE OF VEHICLES WITHOUT DRIVERS UNDER NATIONAL 
OPERATION
Use of vehicles 
without drivers.
60. (1) It shall be possible to use within the territory of Malta
vehicles hired by undertakings established in Agreement States
other than Malta provided that:
( a ) the vehicle is registered or put into circulation in
compliance with the laws in the country of
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 19
registration;
( b ) the contract relates solely to the hiring of a vehicle
without a driver, and is not accompanied by a service
contract concluded with the same undertaking
covering driving or accompanying personnel;
( c ) the hired vehicle is at the sole disposal of the
undertaking using it during the period of the hire
contract;
( d ) the vehicle is driven by personnel of the undertaking
hiring it;
( e ) proof of compliance with the conditions of paragraphs
( a ) to ( d ) is provided by the following documents,
which must be on board the vehicle:
- the contract of hire, or a certified extract from
that contract giving in particular the name of the
lessor, the name of the lessee, the date and
duration of the contract and the vehicle
identification number;
- where the driver is not the person hiring the
vehicle, the driver’s employment contract or a
certified extract from that contract giving in
particular the name of employer, the name of the
employee and the date and duration of the
employment contract, or a recent pay slip.
(2) Where the Authority deems it necessary, it may replace the
documents referred to in paragraph ( e ) by an equivalent document
issued for that purpose.
PART VI
RATES AND CONDITIONS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS 
BY ROAD
Rates to be set by 
free agreement.
61. (1) This regulation and regulation 62 shall apply to the
carriage of goods by road in Malta for hire or reward even if, at the
time of such carriage operations, part of the journey is performed:
- in transit through another country; or
- by a road vehicle which is carried by another means of
transport, without intermediate reloading of the goods.
(2) The rates for the carriage operations referred to in
subregulation (1) shall be set by free agreement between the parties
to the haulage contract.
Power to request 
information.
62. For the purposes only of market surveillance the Authority
may request hauliers, forwarding agents, freight brokers and other
transport agents to provide information concerning the rates
charged for international carriage of goods by road.
20 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
PART VII
USE OF GOODS VEHICLES IN MALTA
Vehicle safety. 63. Any goods vehicle used on the public highway shall be fit
and safe for the conveyance of goods.
Securing of loads. 64. Any goods vehicle used on the public highway shall have
its load firmly secured or appropriately covered so as to prevent
any part of it falling or spilling out onto roadway or otherwise
endangering the safety of traffic or of persons.
Load heights. 65. In no case shall the load being carried by a goods vehicle:
( a ) reach a height which will impair the stability of the
vehicle;
( b ) reach a height that would render the vehicle in excess
of the maximum permissible height contained in the
regulations regulating the weights, dimensions and
equipment of motor vehicles;
( c ) project beyond the overall width of the body.
In special cases, however, the Commissioner of Police in
consultation with the Authority may give temporary permission in
writing to the owners of goods vehicles to depart from the
conditions laid down in paragraphs ( b ) and ( c ) subject to any
conditions he deems fit.
Damage to 
highways.
66. In the event of damage of any kind being caused to the
public highway or any related equipment or street furniture the
haulier shall be responsible for the full costs of restoration of the
status quo ante . All goods vehicles driving on roads in Malta shall
be covered by a valid insurance policy which provides cover for
such eventualities.
Exhaust emissions. 67. No person shall drive or permit to be driven a goods
vehicle when, from any cause whatsoever, the exhaust pipe or its
connections emit any smoke, grit, sparks, ashes, cinders or oily
substances.
Stopping of goods 
vehicles.
68. No person shall stop, whether temporarily or otherwise,
and leave unattended, or shall park any goods vehicle or leave a
container in any public highway or public open space whether
enclosed or otherwise other than in an authorised parking place or
at an authorised container storage depot:
Provided that the Commissioner may in exceptional cases,
in any particular case, and under such conditions as he may deem
fit to impose, grant an exemption from this provision:
Provided further that the Commissioner may also issue a
licence for empty containers to be parked or stacked in factory
grounds, whether privately owned or otherwise, as specified in
such licence, under such conditions as he may deem fit to impose.
Parking of goods 
vehicles.
69. The parking of goods vehicles in an authorised parking
place or an authorised storage depot must fully comply with any
rules and regulations in force relating to the parking of such
vehicles.
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 21
Loading and 
unloading of goods 
vehicles.
70. The loading and unloading of goods vehicles on the public
highway shall be subject to any relevant traffic regulations
prevailing at the time.
Carriage of 
passengers.
71. (1) Passengers may not be carried by goods vehicles
except that -
( a ) one person may be permitted to sit next to the driver of
a goods vehicle whilst it is in use;
( b ) they are the persons who are in charge of the goods or
engaged in loading and unloading them.
(2) The Commissioner may, in special cases, grant permission:
( a ) to owners of goods vehicles to carry persons in their
vehicles other than those in charge of the goods;
( b ) to bona fide contractors and bona fide bodies to
transport workmen free of any charge or reward in
their goods vehicles, from the mustering point to their
principal place of work and other work sites and return
provided such places of work are not situated within
easy reach of an established bus route and provided
that there is in respect of such goods vehicle an
appropriate insurance to cover workmen carried
therein free of charge.
Carriage of fish 
and meat.
72. Fish and fresh meat may not be carried in goods vehicles
unless these are specially constructed and approved the Chief
Government Medical Officer in Malta or a recognised competent
authority from an Agreement State for that purpose.
Carriage of 
dangerous goods.
73. Any vehicle being operated nationally or internationally
carrying dangerous goods as defined in the European Agreement
concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by
Road, 2003 (''ADR Agreement'') shall comply with the
requirements of the regulations regulating the carriage of
dangerous goods by road.
PART VIII
COMBINED TRANSPORT OF GOODS
Combined 
transport.
74. In the case of combined transport for hire or reward, a
transport document shall be presented to the Authority upon
request. Such document shall specify the rail loading and unloading
stations relating to the rail leg, or the inland waterway loading and
unloading ports relating to the inland waterway leg, or the maritime
loading and unloading ports relating to the maritime section of the
journey, and the road loading or unloading stations or ports relating
to a road leg not being the initial or final leg of the journey.
Details to be 
recorded.
75. (1) Details referred to in the previous regulation shall be
recorded before the transport operation is carried out and shall be
confirmed by means of a stamp affixed by the relevant authority
when the Maltese leg of the journey has been completed.
(2) Any haulier established in a Agreement State who meets the
conditions of regulations 5 to 29 shall have the right to carry out
22 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
the initial or final road haulage legs of a combined transport
operation. In addition, a haulier for hire or reward shall comply
with security pass arrangements in force in the port areas.
Hauling on final 
section.
76. Where a trailer or semi-trailer belonging to an undertaking
engaged in own-account haulage is hauled on a final section by a
tractor belonging to an undertaking engaged in transport for hire or
reward, the transport operation so effected shall be exempt from
presentation of the document provided for in regulation 74.
However, another document shall be provided giving evidence of
the journey covered or to be covered by rail, by inland waterway,
by sea or by road, where that part of the journey covered by road
does not form the initial or final leg.
Own account 
sections.
77. (1) Where the dispatching undertaking carries out the
initial road haulage leg on its own account, the receiving
undertaking may carry out the final leg on its own account, even
though the trailer or semi-trailer is registered or hired by the
dispatching undertaking.
(2) Where the receiving undertaking carries out the initial road
haulage leg on its own account, the dispatching undertaking may
carry out the final leg on its own account, even though the trailer or
semi-trailer is registered or hired by the receiving undertaking.
PART IX
INSPECTIONS
Presentation of 
authorisation.
78. The haulier’s authorisation shall be carried on the vehicle
and shall be presented at the request of any authorised inspecting
officer.
Powers of 
inspections.
79. Hauliers shall allow all inspections intended to ensure that
operations are being conducted correctly, in particular as regards
driving and rest periods and regarding equipment, weights and
dimensions. In order to ensure compliance with these regulations,
authorised inspecting officers shall be empowered to:
( a ) check the books and other documentation relating to
the operation of the transport undertaking;
( b ) make copies of, or take extracts from, the books and
documentation on the premises;
( c ) have access to all the transport undertaking’s
premises, sites and vehicles;
( d ) require the production of any information contained in
books, documentation or databases.
Inspections at 
quayside or 
roadside.
80. The Authority shall check on the compliance of the
international haulier through random checks carried out at the
quayside, roadside or at the premises of the undertaking.
Elements of 
checks.
81. Quayside or roadside checks shall cover -
( a ) daily driving periods, daily rest periods, breaks;
( b ) last weekly rest period (where appropriate);
( c ) technical requirements of the regulations regulating
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 23
weights, dimensions and equipment for motor
vehicles;
( d ) any books or documentation relating to journey
authorisation;
Inspections at 
premises.
82. Checks shall also be carried out at premises of
internationally operating hauliers established in Malta and shall
include the following:
( a ) weekly rest periods and driving periods between these
rest periods,
( b ) two-weekly limitation of driving hours,
( c ) compensation for reduced daily or weekly rest periods,
( d ) the use of record sheets and, or the organisation of
drivers’ working times.
Checks at the 
request of the 
Authority.
83. For the purposes laid down in these regulations, checks
carried out on the basis of relevant documents handed over by
undertakings at the request of the Authority, shall have the same
status as checks carried out at the premises of undertaking.
PART X
AMENDING PROVISIONS
Amendment to 
Motor Vehicles 
Regulations.
S.L. 65.11.
84. Part VIII of the Motor Vehicles Regulations is hereby
repealed.
24 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Regulation 9)
PART I
HAULIER TRADING AS SOLE TRADER / PARTNERSHIP
ACCOUNTANT’S REPORT
1. We have prepared, without carrying out an audit, a statement of affairs as at
.......................... (date) from the accounting records of ...........................,
hereinafter referred to as "the firm", having its principal business address at .............
............................................ and from information and explanations supplied to us.
2. In making this report we have had regard to the unaudited statement of
affairs referred to above and, in particular, to the amounts and other information
included in that statement of affairs in respect of:
i. funds available, including cash at banks and overdraft and loan
facilities;
ii. assets, including property, available to provide security;
iii. costs, including purchase cost or initial payment for vehicles, premises,
plant and equipment; and
iv. working capital.
3. We confirm that the unaudited statement of affairs of the firm at .........
(date) shows Total Assets less Total Liabilities of Lm ................. at ...................
(date) which, on the basis of the licence application for ........... vehicles (using an
exchange rate of Euros 1.00 = Lm0.40), Lm .................. exceed Lm 3,600 for the
first vehicle with a maximum authorised weight in excess of 3.5 tonnes and Lm
2,000 for each additional vehicle to be authorised for use under the firm’s
authorisation.
Firm of Accountants ...................................................
Address: ...............................................................................................................
Auditor’s/Accountant’s signature: ..................................................
Date: .....................................
i.e. A person qualified by virtue of the Companies Act or an Accountant
recognised by the Minister responsible for transport.
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 25
PART 2
HAULIER TRADING AS A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
ACCOUNTANT’S REPORT
1) We have audited in accordance with auditing standards the financial
statements of ............................................., hereinafter referred to as "the company"
whose registered office is at ................................................................. for the year /
period ended at ........................... (date)
2) Our audit report on those financial statements, was without qualification.
OR
Our audit report on those financial statements, which was qualified, was as
follows:
3) In making this report we have had regard to the financial statements referred
to above and, in particular, to the amounts and other information including those
financial statements, in respect of:
i. funds available, including cash at banks and overdraft and loan
facilities;
ii. assets, including property, available to provide security;
iii. costs, including purchase cost or initial payment for vehicles, premises,
plant and equipment; and
iv. working capital.
4) We confirm that the audited balance sheet of the company at .............. (date)
shows Capital and Reserves of Lm .............. which, on the basis of the licence for
.............. vehicles (using an exchange rate of Euros 1.00 = Lm0.40), Lm ..................
exceed Lm 3,600 for. the first vehicle with a maximum authorised vehicles with a
maximum authorised weight in excess of 3.5 metric tonnes and Lm 2,000 for each
additional vehicle to be authorised for use under the company’s authorisation.
Firm of Accountants ...................................................
Address: ...............................................................................................................
Auditor’s/Accountant’s signature: ..................................................
Date: .....................................
i.e. A person qualified by virtue of the Companies Act or an Accountant
recognised by the Minister responsible for transport.
26 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
SECOND SCHEDULE
(Regulation 10)
PART 1
CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
MALTA
(Stout fawn paper - Format: DIN A4)
M Malta Transport Authority
CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE IN NATIONAL [AND 
INTERNATIONAL] ( 1 ) ROAD HAULAGE ( 1 )
We, the Malta Transport Authority, hereby certify:
( a ) that ..............................................................................................................
(Surname and forenames)
born in .......................................... (place) on .................................... (date)
has passed the tests of the examination (year:...............; session: ................)
organised for the award of the certificate of professional competence in
national/international ( 1 ) road haulage in accordance with the Motor
Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road) Regulations.
( b ) that the person referred to in ( a ) is qualified to work in a professional
capacity in an undertaking responsible for road haulage:
- engaging solely in national transport ( 1 )
- engaging in international transport ( 1 )
Issued at ......................................., on ........................................
..........................................................................
Stamp of the Authority and Signature of an Authorised Representative
( 1 ) Delete as appropriate
This certificate constitutes the sufficient proof of professional competence
referred to in regulation 10 of the Motor Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road)
Regulations.
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 27
PART 2
LIST OF SUBJECTS REFERRED TO IN REGULATION 10
The knowledge to be taken into consideration for the official recognition of
professional competence by the Authority must cover at least the subjects listed
below for road haulage. In relation to these subjects, applicant road haulage operator
must have the levels of knowledge and practical aptitude necessary for the
management of a transport undertaking.
A. Civil law
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the main types of contract used in road transport and with
the rights and obligations arising therefrom;
2. be capable of negotiating a legally valid transport contract, notably with
regard to conditions of carriage;
3. be able to consider a claim by his principal regarding compensation for loss
of or damage to goods during transportation or for their late delivery, and to
understand how such a claim affects his contractual liability;
4. be familiar with the rules and obligations arising from the CMR Convention
on the contract for the international carriage of goods by road.
B. Commercial law
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the conditions and formalities laid down for plying the
trade, the general obligations incumbent upon transport operators (registration,
keeping records, etc.) and the consequences of bankruptcy;
2. have appropriate knowledge of the various forms of commercial company
and the rules covering their constitution and operation.
C. Social laws
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the role and function of the various social institutions which
are concerned with road transport (trade unions, works councils, shop stewards,
labour inspectors, etc.);
2. be familiar with the employers’ social security obligations;
3. be familiar with the rules governing work contracts for the various
categories of workers employed by road transport undertakings (form of the
contracts, obligations of the parties, working conditions and working hours, paid
leave, remuneration, breach of contract, etc.);
4. be familiar with the Motor Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road)
Regulations and the regulations regulating weights, dimensions and equipment for
motor vehicles.
D. Fiscal law
The applicant must, in particular, be familiar with the rules governing:
1. VAT on transport services;
2. motor-vehicle tax;
3. the taxes on certain road haulage vehicles and tolls and infrastructure user
charges;
28 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
4. income tax.
E. Business and financial management of the undertaking The applicant must,
in particular:
1. be familiar with the laws and practices regarding the use of cheques, bills of
exchange, promissory notes, credit cards and other means or method of payment;
2. be familiar with the various forms of credit (bank credit, documentary
credit, guarantee deposits, mortgages, leasing, renting, factoring, etc.) and with the
charges and obligations arising from them;
3. know what a balance sheet is, how it is set out and how to interpret it;
4. be able to read and interpret a profit and loss account;
5. be able to assess the undertaking’s profitability and financial position, in
particular on the basis of financial ratios;
6. be able to prepare a budget;
7. be familiar with his undertaking’s cost elements (fixed costs, variable costs,
working capital, depreciation, etc.), and be able to calculate costs per vehicle, per
kilometre, per journey or per tonne;
8. be able to draw up an organisation chart relating to the undertaking’s
personnel as a whole and to organise work plans, etc.;
9. be familiar with the principles of marketing, publicity and public relations,
including transport services sales promotion and the preparation of customer files,
etc.;
10. be familiar with the different types of insurance relating to road transport
(liability, accidental injury/life insurance, non-life and luggage insurance) and with
the guarantees and obligations arising therefrom;
11. be familiar with the applications of electronic data transmission in road
transport:
12. be able to apply the rules governing the invoicing of road haulage services
and know the meaning and implications of Incoterms;
13. be familiar with the different categories of transport auxiliaries, their role,
their functions and, where appropriate, their status.
F. Access to the market
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the occupational regulations governing road transport for
hire or reward, industrial vehicle rental and sub-contracting, and in particular the
rules governing the official organisation of the occupation, admission to the
occupation, authorisations for intra- and extra-Community road transport operations,
inspections and sanctions;
2. be familiar with the rules for setting up a road transport undertaking;
3. be familiar with the various documents required for operating road transport
services and be able to introduce checking procedures for ensuring that the approved
documents relating to each transport operation, and in particular those relating to the
vehicle, the driver, the goods and luggage are kept both in the vehicle and on the
premises of the undertaking;
4. be familiar with the rules on the organisation of the market in road haulage
services, on freight handling and logistics;
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 29
5. be familiar with frontier formalities, the role and scope of T documents and
TIR carnets, and the obligations and responsibilities arising from their use.
G. Technical standards and aspects of operation
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the rules concerning the weights and dimensions of vehicles
in the Member States and the procedures to be followed in the case of abnormal
loads which constitute an exception to these rules;
2. be able to choose vehicles and their components (chassis, engine,
transmission system, braking system, etc.) in accordance with the needs of the
undertaking;
3. be familiar with the formalities relating to the type approval, registration
and technical inspection of these vehicles;
4. understand what measures must be taken to reduce noise and to combat air
pollution by motor vehicle exhaust emissions;
5. be able to draw up periodic maintenance plans for the vehicles and their
equipment;
6. be familiar with the different types of cargo-handling and loading devices
(tailboards, containers, pallets, etc.) and be able to introduce procedures and issue
instructions for loading and unloading goods (load distribution, stacking, stowing,
blocking and chocking, etc.);
7. be familiar with the various techniques of "piggy-back" and roll-on roll-off
combined transport;
8. be able to implement procedures for complying with Maltese laws and
regulations in force governing the carriage of dangerous goods and waste;
9. be able to implement procedures for complying with the rules on the
carriage of perishable foodstuffs, notably those arising from the Agreement on the
international carriage of perishable foodstuffs and on the special equipment to be
used for such carriage (ATP);
10. be able to implement procedures for complying with the rules on the
transport of live animals.
H. Road safety
The applicant must, in particular:
1. know what qualifications are required for drivers (driving licence, medical
certificates, certificates of fitness, etc.);
2. be able to take the necessary steps to ensure that drivers comply with the
traffic rules, prohibitions and restrictions in force in different Agreement States
(speed limits, priorities, waiting and parking restrictions, use of lights, road signs,
etc.);
3. be able to draw up drivers’ instructions for checking their compliance with
the safety requirements concerning the condition of the vehicles, their equipment
and cargo, and concerning preventive measures to be taken;
4. be able to lay down procedures to be followed in the event of an accident
and to implement appropriate procedures for preventing the recurrence of accidents
or serious traffic offences.
30 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
ORGANISATION OF THE EXAMINATION
1. The Authority shall organise a compulsory written examination which it
may supplement by an optional oral examination to establish whether applicant road
transport operators have achieved the required level of knowledge in the subjects
listed in A, in particular, their capacity to use the instruments. and techniques
relating thereto and to fulfil the corresponding executive and co-ordination duties.
( a ) The compulsory written examination shall involve two tests, namely:
- written questions consisting of either multiple choice questions (each
with four possible answers), questions requiring direct answers or a
combination of both systems,
- written exercises/case studies.
The minimum duration of each test is two hours.
( b ) Where an oral examination is organised, Member States may stipulate that
participation is subject to successful completion of the written examination.
2. Where the Authority also organises an oral examination, they must provide,
in respect of each of the three tests, for a weighting of marks of a minimum of 25%
and a maximum of 40% of the total number of marks to be given.
Where the Authority organises only a written examination it shall provide,
in respect of each test, for a weighting of marks of a minimum of 40% and a
maximum of 60% of the total number of marks to be given.
3. With regard to all the tests, applicants must obtain an average of at least
60% of the total number of marks to be given, achieving in any given test not less
than 50% of the total number of marks possible. In one test only, the Authority may
reduce that mark from 50% to 40%.
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 31
THIRD SCHEDULE
(Regulation 16)
MINIMUM TRAINING NECESSARY FOR THE AWARD OF A CERTIFICATE 
OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS UNDER 
THE AGE OF 21
Training leading to the award of a certificate of professional competence shall
include at least the following subjects, to the extent that they are not already covered
by training for a driving licence under the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences)
Regulations 2002.
1. Knowledge of the construction and main component parts of a vehicle
1.1. Knowledge of the construction and functioning of:
- internal combustion engines,
- lubrication and cooling systems,
- the fuel system,
- the electrical system,
- the ignition system,
- the transmission system (clutch, gearbox, etc.)
1.2. General knowledge of lubrication and antifreeze protection
1.3. Knowledge of the precautions to be taken during the removal and
replacement of wheels
1.4. Knowledge of the construction, fitting, correct use and care of tyres
1.5. Knowledge of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-
to-day maintenance of brake fittings, and knowledge of coupling
systems
1.6. Knowledge of methods of locating causes of breakdowns
1.7. Knowledge of how to repair minor breakdowns with the aid of the
correct equipment
1.8. General knowledge of preventive maintenance of vehicles and
necessary running repairs.
2. General knowledge of transport and administrative procedures
2.1. General ability and sufficient geographical knowledge to use road maps
and their indexes
2.2. Economical use of vehicles
2.3. Knowledge of the steps to be taken after an accident or similar
occurrence (e.g. fire) in connection with vehicle insurance
2.4. Knowledge of the national legislation applicable to drivers of goods
vehicles
2.5. Elementary knowledge of the driver’s responsibility in respect of the
receipt, carriage and delivery of goods in accordance with the agreed
conditions
2.6. Knowledge of the vehicle and transport documents required for the
national and international carriage of goods
2.7. Knowledge of the techniques of loading and unloading goods and of the
use of loading and unloading equipment
32 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
2.8. Basic knowledge of the precautions to be taken in the handling and
carriage of dangerous goods
3. Experience of driving goods vehicles
3.1. Practical experience of driving and manoeuvring vehicles of more than
7.5 metric tons and using a coupling device
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 33
FOURTH SCHEDULE
PART I
(Regulations 32, 33)
TYPES OF CARRIAGE TO BE EXEMPTED FROM AUTHORISATION
Types of carriage to be exempted from any carriage authorisation
1. Carriage of mail as a public service.
2. Carriage of vehicles which have suffered damage or breakdown.
3. Carriage of goods in motor vehicles the permissible laden weight of which,
including that of trailers, does not exceed six tonnes or the permissible payload of
which, including that of trailers, does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.
4. Carriage of goods in motor vehicles engaged in ''own account'' transport.
5. Carriage of medicinal products, appliances, equipment and other articles
required for medical care in emergency relief, in particular for natural disasters.
PART II 
(Regulation 43)
CATEGORIES OF TRANSPORT EXEMPTED FROM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS 
UNDER THE ECMT
1. The transport of goods by motor vehicles whose Total Permissible Laden
Weight (TPLW), including trailers, does note exceed 6 tonnes, or when the permitted
payload, including trailers, does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.
2. The transport of goods on an occasional basis, to or from airports, in cases
where services are diverted.
3. The transport of vehicles which are damaged or have broken down and the
movement of breakdown repair vehicles.
4. Unladen runs by a goods vehicle sent to replace a vehicle, which has broken
down in another country, and also the return run, after repair, of the vehicle that had
broken down.
5. Transport of livestock in vehicles purpose-built or permanently converted
for the transport of livestock and recognised as such by the Authority.
6. Transport of spare parts and provisions for ocean-going ships and aircraft.
7. Transport of medical supplies and equipment needed for emergencies, more
particularly in response to natural disasters and humanitarian needs.
8. Transport for non-commercial purposes of works and objects of art for fairs
and exhibitions.
9. Transport for non-commercial purposes of properties, accessories and
animals to or from theatrical, musical, film, sports or circus performances, fairs or
fetes, and those intended for radio recordings, or for film or television production.
34 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
FIFTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 34)
Ministry for Transport and Communications
Authorisation No ......
for the international carriage of goods by road for hire or reward
This authorisation entitles  1  ..................................................................................
................................................................................................................................ .
to engage in the international carriage of goods by road for hire or reward by any
route, for journeys or parts of journeys effected for hire or reward within the
territory of the Agreement States, in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Carriage
of Goods by Road) Regulations.
Authorised Holder of Authorisation
Name and Surname
Permanent Address
Passport Number: 
Place of Issue:
Date of Issue:
Date of Expiry: 
Particular remarks: ...............................................................................................
This authorisation shall be valid from ................................ to ...............................
Issued in ................................................... on ......................................................
................................................... 2
----------------------------
1 Name or business name and full address.
2 Signature and stamp of the Authority.
M Malta Transport Authority
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 35
SIXTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 39 and 45)
1. The "green" lorry scheme
Member countries that participate in the "green" lorry scheme have more licences
than they would have had if they kept "basic" licences, although their licences can
only be used for the carriage of goods by means of lorries complying with the
following standards:
a ) Noise emissions for the vehicle
(as laid down in the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval Regulations
L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap 427) 2001 or
ECE Regulation No. 51/02 and KDV 1967 * )
78 dB (A) for vehicles with power up to 150 kW
80 dB (A) for vehicles with power over 150 kW.
b ) Chemical exhaust emissions for diesel engines
(as laid down in the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval) Regulations
L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap 427) 2001, or
in ECE Regulation No. 49/02, approval A ["EUR01"], as far as
production conformity is concerned)
CO: 4.9g/kWh
HC: 1.23g/kWh
Nox: 9.0g/kWh
Part: 0.4g/kWh †
A certificate of conformity with these standards is to be carried on board the
vehicle together with the logbook. People authorised to fill it in are either the
manufacturer or the authorised representative of the manufacturers in the State of
registration. In the latter case, the authorised representative has also to indicate the
name of the manufacturer of whom he is the authorised representative. The
certificate is issued once for the vehicle and does not have to be renewed, unless the
basic data indicated on it, for any kind of emissions, have been changed. The
certificate is available either in English or in French or in German. It must be
accompanied by translations into the other two languages. In any event, should an
on-the-spot check show that the emission values given on the certificate are
exceeded, it is considered that the technical specifications have not been met. In
such a case, the certificate is deemed to be invalid.
To facilitate and speed up frontier crossings, it is strongly recommended that
"green lorries" should display at the front of the vehicle a magnetic "badge" or
sticker. The badge should be green (background) and white (border) and bear the
inscription "U" or "E" (Umwelt=Environment).
2. The "greener and safe" lorry scheme
The requirements for the "greener and safe" lorry are the following:
Noise emissions for the vehicle
(as laid down in the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02
*KDV - Kraftfahrgesetz-Durchfuhrungsverordnung HGV Act implementing regulations (Austria).
†In the case of engines of 85 kW or less, a coefficient of 1.7 is applied to the limit value for particles
emissions.
36 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
published under the Product Safety Act (Cap 427) or in ECE Regulation No. 51/02
and KDV 1967 * )
78 dB(A) for vehicles < 150 kW
80 dB(A) for vehicles > 150 kW
Chemical exhaust emissions for diesel engines
(as laid down in the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02
published under the Product Safety Act (Cap 427) 2001 or in ECE Regulation No.
49/02, approval B, ["EURO 2"])
CO: 4.0g/kWh
HC: 1.1 g/kWh
Nox: 7.0g/kWh
particle: 0.15g/kWh
Minimum technical and safety requirements
1. Vehicles and their trailers must have a minimum tread depth of 2 mm on
all tyres.
2. Vehicles (semi-trailer tractors excepted) and their trailers, as referred to
in the regulations quoted must have a rear underrun protection device
(according to ECE Regulation No 58/01 or in the Motor Vehicle (EC
Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product
Safety Act (Cap 427)).
3. Vehicles (semi-trailer tractors excepted) and their trailers, as referred to
in the regulations quoted, must have lateral underrun protection guards,
in accordance with ECE Regulation No. 73/00 or in the Motor Vehicle
(EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the
Product Safety Act (Cap 427).
4. Vehicles must have hazard warning signal, in accordance with ECE
Regulation No. 6/01 or in the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval)
Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap
427), and a red warning triangle, in accordance with ECE Regulation
No. 27/03.
5. Vehicles must use a tachograph, in accordance with ECE/UN "AETR
Agreement" or these Regulations and any other relevant regulations
issued under the Traffic Regulation Ordinance (Cap 65).
6. Vehicles must have speed limitation devices according to ECE
Regulation 89 or according to the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval)
Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap
427).
7. Heavy and long vehicles must have retroreflecting rear marking plates
according to ECE Regulation No 70/01.
8. Vehicles must have anti-lock brakes (in accordance with ECE
Regulation 13/09 or the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval)
Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap
427)).
9. Vehicles must have a steering device in accordance with ECE
Regulation 79/01 or the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval)
*KDV = kraftiahrgesetz-Durdlfuhrungsvuerordnung = HGV Act implementing regulations (Austria)
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 37
Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap
427).
10. Vehicles must fulfil the requirements concerning the roadworthiness
test as laid down in the Motor Vehicles (Roadworthiness Test)
Regulations. In compliance with this Regulation, the roadworthiness
test has to be passed every year; so that the certificate of compliance
must not be older than 12 months.
Furthermore, ECMT licences for the "greener and safe" lorry can only be used by
vehicles which comply with the technical specifications set out above and are valid
only if they are accompanied by fully completed certificates indicating compliance
with these technical standards. The certificates are available either in English or in
French. They must be accompanied by translations into two other languages, which
are German and the national language of the country of registration of the vehicle.
The certificates are available either in French or in English. They must be
accompanied by translations into two other languages, which are German and the
national language of the country of registration of the vehicle.
The certificate concerning noise and exhaust emissions requirements for "greener
and safe" lorries, can be filled in by the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised
representative of the manufacturer in the country of registration. In the latter case,
the authorised representative has also to indicate the name of the manufacturer of
whom he is the authorised representative.
The certificate is issued once for the vehicle and does not have to be renewed,
unless the basic data indicated on it, for any kind of emissions, have been changed.
The certificates already filled-in (2001) will therefore remain valid as far as the
basic data indicated on them have not been changed. For certificates to be issued for
new vehicles or for vehicles where the basic data have been changed, countries
should however gradually use the new models for certificates as shown ni Annex 5
of the ECMT Agreement, at the latest as of 1 January 2002.
The certificate concerning safety requirements for "greener and safe" lorries can
be filled in either by:
- the competent validation services in the country of registration, if this
country does not authorise representatives of manufacturers;
- the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised representative of the
manufacturer in the country of registration, or
- a combination of the competent validation services in the country of
registration and the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised
representative of the manufacturer in the country of registration, when
all the equipment is not fitted by the vehicle manufacturer.
In case of an "authorised representative", he has also to indicate the name of the
manufacturer of whom he is the authorised representative. The certificate concerning
safety requirements for ''greener and safe'' lorries has to be renewed at least every
year, by means of a roadworthiness test.
Furthermore, minimum safety requirements are required for  both the vehicle itself
and the trailer . Therefore, a specific certificate should be filled-in for trailers when
they are registered and checked for roadworthiness test.
These various certificates must be filled-in according to the provisions set out in
the respective Annexes of the ECWT Agreement, by:
- the body or establishment designated and directly supervised by the
State of registration for the purpose of (Motor Vehicle (EC Type
38 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety
Act (Cap 427)), or for newly manufactured vehicles;
- the competent validation services in the country of registration;
- the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised representative of the
manufacturer in the country of registration, or
- a combination of the competent validation services in the country of
registration and the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised
representative of the manufacturer in the country of registration, when
all the equipment is not fitted by the vehicle manufacturer.
In any event, should an on-the-spot check show that the emission values and
safety requirements given on the certificate are not fulfilled, it is considered that the
technical specifications have not been met. In such a case, the certificate is deemed
to be invalid.
To facilitate and speed up frontier crossing, it is strongly recommended that
greener and safe lorries should display at the front of the vehicle a "magnetic" badge
or sticker modelled on that reproduced in Annex 10 of the ECMT Agreement. The
badge shall be green (background) and white (border) and bear the inscription "S" in
white (Sur=Safe=Sicher).
3. The "EURO3 sale" lorry scheme
The requirements for the "EURO3 safe" lorry are the following:
Noise emissions for the vehicle
(as laid down in the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02
published under the Product Safety Act (Cap 427) or in ECE Regulation No. 51/02
and KDV 1967 * )
78 dB (A) for vehicles < 150 kW
80 dB (A) for vehicles > 150 kW
Chemical exhaust emissions for diesel engines
(as laid down in ECE Regulation No. 49/03 † , approval A or the Motor Vehicle
(EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act
(Cap 427), and according to ESC and ELR test cycles)
CO: 2.1 g/kWh
HC: 0.66g/kWh
NOx: 5.0g/kWh
Particles: 0.10 [0.13 ‡ ]g/kW corrected value of the absorption
coefficient 0.8m -1
(as laid down in ECE Regulation No. 49/035, approval A or in the Motor Vehicle
(EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act
(Cap 427), and according to ETC test cycle)
CO: 5.45g/k/WH
NM.HC: 0.78g/kWh
CH4 *  1.6 g/kWh
*KDV - Krattfahrgesetz-Durchfiihrungsverordnung = HGV Act implementing regulations (Austria).
†As soon as the amendment including the provisions of Directive 1999/96/EC is implemented.
‡For engines having each cylinder under a 0.75 dm 3  and nominal regime above 3000 min
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 39
Nox: 5.0g/kWh
Particles: 0.16 [0.21 * ]g/kWh
Minimum technical and safety requirements
1. Vehicles and their trailers must have a minimum tread depth of 2 mm on
all tyres.
2. Vehicles (semi-trailer tractors excepted) and their trailers, as referred to
in the regulations quoted must have a rear underrun protection device
(according to ECE Regulation No. 58/01 or the Motor Vehicle (EC Type
Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety
Act (Cap 427)).
3. Vehicles (semi-trailer tractors excepted) and their trailers, as referred to
in the regulations quoted, must have lateral underrun protection guards,
in accordance with ECE Regulation No. 73/00 or the Motor Vehicle (EC
Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product
Safety Act (Cap 427).
4. Vehicles must have rear mirror according to ECE/UN Regulation R.46/
01 or to the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02
published under the Product Safety Act (Cap 427).
5. Vehicles must have lighting and light signalling devices, in accordance
with ECE Regulation R.48/01 or with the Motor Vehicle (EC Type
Approval) Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety
Act (Cap 427).
6. Vehicles must use a tachograph, in accordance with ECE "AETR
Agreement" or the regulations regulating weights, dimensions and
equipment for motor vehicles.
7. Vehicles must have speed limitation devices according to ECE
Regulation R.89 or according to any other relevant regulations issued
under the Traffic Regulation Ordinance (Cap 65).
8. Heavy and long vehicles must have retroreflecting rear marking plates
according to ECE Regulation R. 70/01.
9. Vehicles must have anti-lock brakes (in accordance with ECE
Regulation R.13/09 or the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval)
Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap
427)).
10. Vehicles must have a steering device in accordance with ECE
Regulation R.79/01 or the Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval)
Regulations L.N. 95/02 published under the Product Safety Act (Cap
427).
Vehicles must fulfil the requirements concerning the roadworthiness test as laid
down in the Motor Vehicle (Roadworthiness Test) Regulations. In compliance with
these Regulations, the roadworthiness test has to be passed every year, so that the
certificate of compliance must not be older than 12 months.
Furthermore, ECMT licences for the "EURO3 safe" lorry can only be used by
vehicles which comply with the technical specifications set out above and are valid
only if they are accompanied by fully completed certificates indicating compliance
with these technical and safety standards.
*Only for natural gas engines and according to the provisions set up for ETC tests (cf. Annex III, Appendix
2. point 3.9 Directive 1999/96/EC).
40 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
The certificates are available either in English or in French. They must be
accompanied by translations into two other languages, which are German and the
national language of the country of registration of the vehicle.
The certificate concerning noise and exhaust emissions requirements for "EURO3
safe" lorries, can be filled in by the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised
representative of the manufacturer in the country of registration. In the latter case,
the authorised representative has also to indicate the name of the manufacturer of
whom he is the authorised representative.
This certificate is issued once for the vehicle and does not have to be renewed,
unless the basic data indicated on it, for any kind of emissions, have been changed.
The certificate concerning safety requirements for "EURO3 safe" lorries, can be
filled in either by the competent validation services in the country of registration, if
this country does not authorise representatives of manufacturers:
- the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised representative of the
manufacturer in the country of registration, or
- a combination of the competent validation services in the country of
registration and the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised
representative of the manufacturer in the country of registration, when
all the equipment is not fitted by the vehicle manufacturer.
In case of an "authorised representative", he has also to indicate the name of the
manufacturer of whom he is the authorised representative. The certificate concerning
safety requirements for "EURO3 safe" lorries has to be renewed at least every year,
by means of a roadworthiness test.
Furthermore, minimum safety requirements are required  for both the vehicle itself
and the trailer . Therefore, a specific certificate should be filled-in for trailers when
they are registered and checked for roadworthiness test.
These various certificates must be filled-in according to the provisions set out in
the respective Annexes of the ECMT Agreement, by:
- the body or establishment designated and directly supervised by the
State of registration for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle
(Roadworthiness Test) Regulations, or
- for newly manufactured vehicles:
- the competeþnt validation services in the country of registration;
- the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised representative of the
manufacturer in the country of registration, or
- a combination of the competent validation services in 'he country
of registration and the vehicle manufacturer, or the authorised
representative of the manufacturer in the country of registration,
when all the equipment is not fitted by the vehicle manufacturer.
In any event, should an on-the-spot check show that the emission values and
safety requirements given on the certificate are not fulfilled, it is considered that the
technical specifications have not been met. In such a case, the certificate is deemed
to be invalid.
To facilitate and speed up frontier crossing, it is strongly recommended that
EURO3 safe lorries should display at the front of the vehicle a "magnetic" badge or
sticker modelled on that reproduced in Annex 10 of the ECMT Agreement. The
badge should be green (background) and white (border) and bear the inscription "3"
in white (3 = EUR 03).
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 41
SEVENTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 51)
(Thick Pink Paper- format DIN A4)
(First Page of Cabotage Authorisation)
(Text to be worded in English and Maltese)
Cabotage Authorisation No .............
For the national carriage of goods by road in Malta performed
by a non-resident haulier (cabotage)
This authorisation entitles
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(Name, or registered business name, and full address of the haulier) 
to carry goods by means of a motor vehicle or a coupled combination of vehicles
within Malta where he is not established in Malta and to move such vehicle or
combination of vehicles unladen over any part of Malta, as laid down in the Motor
Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road) Regulations and subject to the general
provisions of this authorisation.
From ............................................ to ..........................................
Issued at ...................................... date .........................................
COMMISSION OF THE 
EUROPEAN 
COMMUNITIES
(Impressed stamp of 
the Commission of 
the European 
Communities)
M MALTA 
TRANSPORT 
AUTHORITY
42 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
(b)
(Second page of cabotage authorisation)
(Text to be worded in the Maltese and English)
General provisions
This authorisation permits the national carriage of goods by road in Malta by non-
resident hauliers.
This authorisation is personal to the holder and non-transferable.
This authorisation may be withdrawn by the Malta Transport Authority or, where
the authorisation is a forgery, by the competent authorities in the countries in which
the cabotage transport operations are carried out.
This authorisation may be used for only one vehicle at a time.
In the case of a coupled combination of vehicles, this authorisation shall
accompany the motor vehicle.
This authorisation must be carried in the vehicle and must be accompanied by a
book of record sheets for all national cabotage operations effected under it.
The cabotage authorisation and the book of record sheets must be filled in before
the cabotage operations begin.
The authorisation and the book of record sheets for national cabotage operations
must be produced together whenever required by an authorized inspecting officer.
The performance of cabotage transport operations shall be subject to the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions in force in Malta in the following areas:
( a ) rates and conditions governing the transport contract;
( b ) the regulations regulating weights, dimensions and equipment for motor
vehicles;
( c ) requirements relating to the carriage of certain categories of goods, in
particular dangerous goods, perishable foodstuffs, live animals;
( d ) driving and rest time;
( e ) VAT on transport services.
The technical standards of construction and equipment which vehicles used to
carry out cabotage operations must meet those laid down for vehicles put into
circulation in international transport.
This authorisation must be returned to the Malta Transport Authority within eight
days following its date of expiry.
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 43
EIGHTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 56)
(a)
(Format DIN A4)
(Front cover of book of record sheets)
(Text in Maltese and English)
BOOK OF RECORD SHEETS FOR NATIONAL CABOTAGE
TRANSPORT OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT UNDER CABOTAGE 
AUTHORISATION NO. ..........
This book is valid until .................................................................................... ( * )
Issued at ......................................... date .....................................
( † )
Malta Malta Transport Authority
M Book No. ...................
*The period of validity may not exceed that of the cabotage authorisation
†Stamp of the competent authority or agency issuing the book
44 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
(b)
(Inside front cover of book of records sheet)
(Text in Maltese and/or English)
General Provisions
1. This book of record sheets contains 25 detachable sheets, numbered 1 to 25,
on which details must be given, at the time of loading, of all goods transported under
the cabotage authorisation to which they relate. Each book is numbered and that
number is marked on every page of the book.
2. The haulier is responsible for the proper completion of the records of
national cabotage operations.
3. The book must accompany the cabotage authorisation to which it relates and
be kept on board the vehicle travelling laden or unladen under the said authorisation.
It must be produced whenever required by an authorized inspecting officer.
4. Record sheets must be used in numerical order and the successive loading
operations must be entered in chronological order.
5. Each item in the record sheet must be completed accurately and legibly by
printing in indelible ink.
6. Not later than eight days after the end of the month to which the sheet
relates, each completed record sheet must be returned to the Malta Transport
Authority. Where an operation spans two census periods, the date of loading
determines the period which the record must cover (e.g. an operation beginning
towards the end of January and ending in the early part of February should be
included in the January return).
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 45
(c)
(Front of the page inserted before the 25 detachable sheets)
(Text in Maltese and English)
Explanatory notes
The information to be given on the following sheets relates to all goods
transported under the cabotage authorisation to which this record book relates.
A separate line on this sheet, must be completed for each consignment of goods
loaded.
Column 2: give, where appropriate, the information requested by the Malta
Transport Authority; Column 3: give the day (01, 02 ...... 31) of the month indicated
at the top of the sheet during which the vehicle departed under load;
Column 4 and 5: specify the place and, if necessary to make this clear, the
department, province, ‘Land’, etc.;
Column 7: state the distance travelled between the place of loading and the place
of unloading;
Column 8: give the weight in tonnes to one decimal point (e.g. 10,0 t) of the
consignment of goods in the same way as for the customs declaration; do not include
the weight of containers or pallets;
Column 9: in addition, describe as accurately as possible the goods in the
consignment;
Column 10: for official use only.
(d)
Name and address of haulier
Day/Month/Year
GOODS CARRIED:
Authorisation number: 
Book number:
Record sheet number:
46 [ S.L.65.19 MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD)
NINTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation l9)
Ministry for Transport and Communications
Driver Attestation No ...
for the international carriage of goods by road for hire or reward
under a Community Authorisation
This attestation certifies that on the basis of the documents presented by
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(Name and business address of the haulier) 
the following driver:
Name and Forename: ............................................................................................
Date and place of birth: ................................. Nationality: ....................................
Date of issue: ............................................... Place of issue: .................................
Driving Licence Number: .....................................................................................
Date of issue: ............................................... Place of issue: .................................
Social Security Number: .......................................................................................
Is employed, in accordance with the laws, regulations or administrative provisions
and, as appropriate, the collective agreements, in accordance with the laws and
regulations in force in Malta, on the conditions of employment and of vocational
training of drivers in force in Malta to carry out road transport operations in Malta.
Particular Remarks: ..............................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
This attestation shall be valid from .................................. to .................................
Issued in ...................................................... on ...................................................
...................................................
Signature and stamp of the Authority
M Malta Transport Authority
MOTOR VEHICLES (CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD) [ S.L.65.19 47
(Second page of the Attestation)
(Text in Maltese or English)
GENERAL PROVISIONS
This attestation is issued under the Motor Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road)
Regulations.
It certifies that the driver named therein is employed, in accordance with the laws,
regulations or administrative provisions and, as appropriate, the collective
agreements, in accordance with the rules applicable in Malta mentioned on the
attestation, on the conditions of employment and vocational training or drivers
applicable in Malta to carry out road transport operations in Malta.
The driver attestation shall belong to the haulier, who puts it at the disposal of the
driver designated therein when that driver drives a vehicle as defined in the
regulations, engaged in carriage using a community authorisation issued to that
haulier. The driver attestation is not transferab1e. The driver attestation shall be
valid only as long as the conditions under which it was issued are still satisfied and
must be returned immediate1y by the haulier to the Authority if these conditions are
no longer met.
It may be withdrawn by the Authority, in particular where the haulier has:
- not complied with all the conditions for using the attestation;
- supplied incorrect information with regard to the data needed for the
issue or extension of the attestation.
A certified true copy of the attestation must be kept in the vehicle and must be
produced by the driver whenever required by an authorised inspecting officer.
