Malta VRT (MOT) 2026
Vehicle roadworthiness test requirements.
What is VRT?
In this guide, VRT means the Vehicle Roadworthiness Test, Malta's equivalent of the UK MOT. It is not the vehicle registration tax, which is a separate one-off tax paid when a car is first registered in Malta. The roadworthiness test checks that a vehicle meets safety and environmental standards, and it is carried out at testing stations licensed by Transport Malta under Subsidiary Legislation 65.15.
Test Fees
S.L. 65.15 (Eighth Schedule) sets the maximum fees a testing station may charge, including VAT, in force since 1 January 2023. Stations may charge less, so prices vary. A re-test may cost no more than 50% of the full fee.
| Vehicle Type | Maximum Test Fee | Re-test (max 50%) |
|---|---|---|
| Private car / taxi / hire car (M1) | €30.27 | up to €15.14 |
| Motorcycle (Category VII) | €24.33 | up to €12.17 |
| Light goods vehicle / van (N1) | €41.32 | up to €20.66 |
| Heavy goods vehicle (N2/N3) | €46.10 | up to €23.05 |
| Bus (M2/M3) up to 3.5 t | €41.32 | up to €20.66 |
| Bus (M2/M3) over 3.5 t | €46.10 | up to €23.05 |
| Trailer up to 3.5 t | €41.32 | up to €20.66 |
| Trailer over 3.5 t | €46.10 | up to €23.05 |
Test Frequency
Test intervals are counted from first registration:
- Private cars and hire cars (M1): first test at 4 years, then every 2 years. Once the odometer passes 160,000 km, the test becomes annual.
- Taxis, chauffeur-driven cars and ambulances: annual from the first year.
- Light goods vehicles / vans (N1): first test at 2 years, then every 2 years (annual after 160,000 km).
- Heavy goods vehicles (N2/N3) and buses: annual from the first year.
- Light trailers (O1/O2): first test at 2 years, then every 2 years. Heavy trailers (O3/O4) are tested annually.
- Motorcycles over 125cc: the interval is set by ministerial notice, so confirm the current rule with Transport Malta.
VRT and Your Road Licence Renewal
When a test is due, you cannot renew the road licence without a pass. The VRT certificate must be dated within 90 days before the road licence renewal, so book the test in the three months before your licence expires.
Imported Vehicles
- From outside the EU: a VRT is needed if the vehicle is over 4 years old, or over 1 year old with more than 160,000 km (L-category vehicles such as motorcycles are excluded from this rule).
- From the UK: a VRT is needed unless the vehicle has 160,000 km or less and is an M1 car up to 4 years old (N1 vans up to 2 years old).
- From the EU: a valid roadworthiness certificate issued in another EU member state is recognised.
What to Bring
- Vehicle registration document (log book)
- Valid insurance certificate
- Photo ID
- Appointment confirmation
Fees and rules are correct as of October 2026. Budget 2027, presented on 26 October 2026, may change vehicle-related rates, so recheck with Transport Malta after the budget.
Malta Calculator Editorial Team
Financial Content Specialists | Malta Tax & Employment Experts
Our team specializes in Maltese tax law, social security contributions, and employment regulations. All content is reviewed against official sources from the Malta Tax and Customs Administration and the Department of Social Security.
Official Sources
Data verified as of 1 January 2026. Rates and thresholds are subject to change based on Malta government budget announcements.
Share this article
my car failed VRT last year because of a brake issue. cost me €200 to fix plus the retest fee. make sure you get things checked before going for the test!
Helpful guide. Quick tip for everyone - book your VRT appointment early because the wait times can be weeks especially around renewal season. Dont leave it till the last minute
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