TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS REGULATIONS

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 65.05

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

REGULATIONS

29th August, 1969

LEGAL NOTICE 94 of 1969, as amended by Legal Notices: 106 of 1970,

99 of 1974, 25 of 1978, 53 of 1979, 129 and 167 of 1990, 101 of 1997, 126

of 1999, 207 of 2000, 166 of 2001, 151 of 2009, and 114, 253 of 2011, 173

of 2018, 120 of 2019 and 264 and 318 of 2022 and 24 of 2023 and 116 of

2024.

The title of these regulations is the Traffic Signs and

Carriageway Markings Regulations.

Amended by

L.N. 106 of 1970;

(Regulation 2)

L.N. 99 of 1974;

L.N. 25 of 1978;

L.N. 53 of 1979;

L.N. 129 of 1990;

L.N. 101 of 1997;

L.N. 126 of 1999;

L.N. 207 of 2000;

L.N. 151 of 2009;

L.N. 114 of 2011;

L.N. 253 of 2011;

L.N. 173 of 2018;

L.N. 120 of 2019;

L.N. 264 of 2022;

L.N. 318 of 2022;

L.N. 24 of 2023;

PART I - DANGER WARNING SIGNS

L.N. 116 of 2024.

(a) A danger warning sign is normally sited on the left hand side of the road in

advance of a potential danger point and at a suitable distance from it, depending on

the configuration of the site, the speed potentiality of the road and the nature of the

danger being indicated. Where considered necessary, such distance may be specified

by means of an appended plate of the type shown in No. (4) and (5) under paragraph

G of Part II of this Schedule.

(b) A junction ahead warning sign gives prior warning to a driver that he is

approaching a junction where a STOP or GIVE WAY sign is sited.

The nature of the junction sign and distance shall be specified on each

warning sign by means of an appended plate.

A.

Dangerous bends

These signs give warning of a dangerous bend or curve ahead, according to the

symbol on the sign. On encountering such a sign, drivers shall reduce their speed and

take the necessary precautions.

(1)

(2)

(3)

BEND TO LEFT

BEND TO RIGHT

S-BEND ON LEFT

(4)

(5)

S-BEND ON RIGHT

SERIES OF BENDS

B.

Intersections with roads of equal importance

These signs (and similar signs with a different symbol) give warning of the

approach of an intersection with a road of equal importance of the type shown by the

symbol. On encountering such a sign, drivers shall reduce their speed, and on

reaching the intersection, shall, other things being equal, give priority to vehicles

coming from their left; this rule does not apply in the case of roundabouts. In built-

up areas, these signs shall be used only in exceptional cases.

(1)

(2)

(3)

CROSSROADS

T-JUNCTION

SIDE ROAD ON LEFT

(4)

(5)

SIDE ROAD ON RIGHT

ROUNDABOUT

C.

Intersections with major roads

These signs (and similar signs with a different symbol) give advance warning to

drivers on a minor road of the approach of an intersection with a major road as

shown by the symbol. On encountering such a sign, drivers shall reduce their speed

and, on reaching the intersection, give priority to all vehicular traffic, including

turning traffic, on the major road.

(1)

(2)

CROSSROADS

T-JUNCTION

D.

Intersections with minor roads

These signs (and similar signs with a different symbol) give warning to drivers on

a major road of the approach of an intersection, of the type shown by the symbol,

with a minor road. Although priority lies with the major road, drivers thereon should

be on the lookout for possible emergency traffic from the minor road.

(1)

(2)

(3)

CROSSROADS

SIDE ROAD ON LEFT

SIDE ROAD ON RIGHT

(4)

(5)

STAGGERED JUNCTION,

STAGGERED JUNCTION,

FIRST LEFT

FIRST RIGHT

E.

Road hazards

These signs (and similar signs with a different symbol) give warning of the

approach of a road hazard as indicated by the symbol. On encountering such signs,

drivers shall reduce speed and/or take such other precautions as may be necessary

under the particular circumstances.

(1)

(2)

(3)

ROAD NARROWS

DANGEROUS HILL

SLIPPERY ROAD

(4)

(5)

UNEVEN ROAD

LOW FLYING AIRCRAFT

(6)

(7)

QUAYSIDE AHEAD

TUNNEL AHEAD

(symbol may be reversed)

(8)

(9)

ELECTRIFIED OVERHEAD CABLE

DANGER AHEAD

(safe height plate is to be added)

(danger to be indicated by plate)

(10)

AGRICULTURE VEHICLES LIKELY TO BE AHEAD IN ROAD

(11)

(12)

LIGHTS

LIGHTS?

(13)

ACCIDENT BLACK SPOT

(14)

ROAD HUMP WARNING SIGNS

F.

Live hazards

These signs give warning of the approach of a live hazard as indicated by the

symbol. On encountering such signs drivers shall reduce speed, keep a sharp lookout

for crossing pedestrians, children or workmen, as the case may be, and be prepared

to give right of way, or to stop if necessary.

(1)

(2)

(3)

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

CHILDREN GOING TO

ROAD WORKS

(ADVANCE SIGN)

OR FROM SCHOOL

OR PLAYGROUND

(4)

(5)

PEDESTRIANS AHEAD

ELDERLY OR DISABLED

OR BLIND PERSON

(Plate “No footway for ........ m”

Plate “Elderly People”, “Blind”,

may be added

or “Disabled” may be added

(6)

ACCOMPANIED HORSES

G.

Junction ahead with Stop or Give Way

with

or

JUNCTION AHEAD

PART II - REGULATORY SIGNS

Regulatory signs, or signs giving definite instructions are divided into two classes,

viz. prohibitory, i.e. denoting a prohibition, and mandatory, i.e. denoting an

obligation.

Regulatory signs are normally placed on the left hand side of the road or on central

reservations, or in other suitable positions facing the traffic, and may also be

repeated on the opposite side of the road, and further along the same road, if

necessary. They may be placed either in advance or at the point of commencement or

termination of their applicability as detailed hereinafter for their particular category.

These signs may have their applicability qualified by means of inscriptions or

symbols on explanatory plates appended to them.

A.

Prohibitory - Direction

The following signs prohibit vehicular traffic from taking the direction indicated

by the particular sign

(a) These signs prohibit traffic from turning to the left, or to the right as the case

may be, and are placed slightly in advance of the turning.

(1)

(2)

NO LEFT TURN

NO RIGHT TURN

(b) This sign prohibits traffic from turning about in the opposite direction in the

same street or road, and is placed at the point where the prohibition applies. If the

prohibition extends over a stretch of road, this may be indicated by means of an

appended plate of the type shown as No.(4) or (5) under paragraph G of this Part of

the Schedule.

(3)

NO U-TURN

(c) This sign prohibits entry to all vehicular traffic into a road or part thereof

and is placed at the point of commencement of the prohibition.

(4)

NO ENTRY FROM THIS SIDE

(d) This sign prohibits the transit of vehicles in a road closed to all vehicular

traffic from both ends, and in which vehicles may only enter, with all due caution, to

obtain bona fide access to premises. This sign is placed at the point of

commencement of the prohibition. The times during which access to premises is

permitted may be indicated by means of an appended plate of the type shown as

No.(10), (11), or (12) under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule.

(5)

ALL VEHICLES PROHIBITED

A plate with the words EXCEPT FOR ACCESS indicating an exemption for

access to premises or land adjacent to the prohibited road or roads, or EXCEPT FOR

LOADING or EXCEPT FOR BUSES or such other words indicating an exemption

from the prohibition, may be appended.

(e)

(6)

MOTOR VEHICLES PROHIBITED

(7)

HORSE DRAWN VEHICLES PROHIBITED

B.

Prohibitory - Special categories

These signs prohibit entry into a road or parts thereof to special category of users

as indicated by the symbols. They are placed at the point of commencement of the

prohibition.

(a)

(1)

NO BICYCLES

(b) This sign prohibits entry into a road to all types of motor vehicles with the

exception of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

(2)

NO MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT SOLO

MOTORCYCLES, SCOOTER OR MOPEDS

(c)

(3)

NO HEAVY VEHICLES

(d) This sign prohibits entry into a road to animals which are either being ridden

or led.

(4)

HORSES PROHIBITED

(e)

(5)

NO PEDESTRIANS

(f)

(6)

ENTRY TO PEDESTRIAN ZONE RESTRICTED

(ALTERNATIVE TYPES)

C.

Prohibitory - Limitation

These signs (or similar signs with different figures) prohibit the entry into a road

to vehicles of the overall width, or height, or gross laden weight equal to or

exceeding these shown on the sign. They are placed on the point of commencement

of the prohibition.

WIDTH LIMIT HEIGHT LIMIT WEIGHT LIMIT

D.

Prohibitory - Operation

These signs (or similar signs with different figures) impose certain operational

prohibitions as indicated by the particular symbol, and are placed at the point of

commencement or termination of the prohibition, as the case may be.

(a) The first sign prohibits all vehicles from exceeding the speed limit, shown

on the sign. Unless the sign is attached to the name plate of a built-up area (in which

case the prohibition applies to the whole built-up area), the distance over which the

prohibition applies may be indicated by means of an appended plate of the type

shown as No. (4) or (5) under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule. The second

sign cancels the first one.

(1)

(2)

SPEED LIMIT

END OF SPEED LIMIT

(b) The first sign prohibits all vehicles from overtaking any motor vehicle, even

if such overtaking can take place on the proper half of the road. The distance over

which the prohibition applies may be indicated by means of an appended plate of the

type shown as No (4) or (5) under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule. The

second sign cancels the first one.

(3)

(4)

NO OVERTAKING

END OF NO OVERTAKING

(c) These signs prohibit, in varying degrees, stationary vehicles between any

two or more identical such signs. The "No Parking" sign prohibits the leaving of a

vehicle in a stationary position for a period exceeding 10 minutes, or, if a plate of the

type shown as No.(6) under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule is appended to

the sign, for a period exceeding such time as shown on such plate. The "No Waiting"

sign prohibits the leaving of a vehicle in a stationary position for a time in excess of

the minimum required to allow a person to alight from or board the vehicle, and the

driver from leaving the driving seat or switching off the engine. The "No Stopping"

sign prohibits the bringing of a vehicle to a stationary position altogether, except as a

result of force majeure.

The signs are placed on the side of the road to which they apply, facing the

direction of traffic, at the point of commencement of the prohibition, and may be

repeated where necessary, e.g. every 180m or after major intersections. Terminal

signs shall have plates, of the type shown as. No.(1) or (2) under paragraph G of this

Part of the Schedule, appended thereto indicating the start and the end of the

prohibition respectively. Intervening repeater signs shall have a plate, of the type

shown as No.(3) under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule, appended thereto

and the prohibition shall be in force on both sides of such signs.

The days, times and categories of vehicles in respect of which the prohibition

regarding stationary vehicles is in force, as well as the qualifications or exceptions

thereto, may be shown by means of plates, of the types shown as No.(6), (7), (8), (9),

(10), (11), (12), (14), or (15), under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule,

appended to the sign. Where there are no such plates the prohibition shall be deemed

to be absolute and at all times.

A "No Parking" or a "No Waiting" sign shall have the force of a "No Stopping"

sign if it is accompanied by a plate, of the type shown as No.(13) under paragraph G

of this Part of the Schedule, appended to it, during the times shown on such plate.

(5)

(6)

(7)

NO PARKING

NO WAITING

NO STOPPING

(d) The first sign prohibits the use of acoustic signals by all motor vehicles,

except in an emergency. Unless the sign is attached to the name plate of a built-up

area (in which case the prohibition applies to the whole built-up area) the distance

over which the prohibition extends may be indicated by means of a plate, of the type

shown as No.(4) or (5) under paragraph G of this Part of the Schedule, appended to

the sign. The second sign cancels the first one.

(8)

(9)

NO HORN BLOWING

END OF NO HORN BLOWING

(e) The sign indicating a TOW ZONE at No. (10) indicates that an encumbering

object is parked or left unattended in a zone where it is liable to be towed away. A notice

indicating the procedures to be followed for the retrieval of the said object shall be

clearly indicated in the said notice.

The sign indicating a CLAMPING ZONE at No. (11) indicates that a motor

vehicle is parked or left unattended in a zone where it is liable to be clamped. A

ticket indicating the procedures to be followed for the removal of the clamp will be

affixed to the windscreen of the motor vehicles.

In both cases, the zone is always indicated as a NO STOPPING area.

(10)

(11)

(f)

(12)

SPEED ZONE

(13)

DOUBLE YELLOW LINES ONE METRE LONG (ALTERNATIVE TO PAINTING

CONTINUOUS SOLID YELLOW LINES ON STREET CORNERS) TO INDICATE

THE 5 METRE ZONE WHERE PARKING IS PROHIBITED

(14)

EXCEPT TO RENDER A SERVICE IN THIS STREET

(15)

EXCEPT FOR RENDERING A SERVICE

(OR OWNERS RESIDING) IN THIS STREET

(16)

WAITING PROHIBITED DURING THE PERIOD INDICATED ON THE UPPER

PORTION EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS SHOWN ON

THE LOWER PORTION

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

(17)

NO WAITING EXCEPT FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT

(18)

NO WAITING EXCEPT FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

(FREEDOM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS)

(TIME VARIABLE) ONLY FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

(19)

NO WAITING BETWEEN 7.00 A.M. AND NOON

(20)

ALTERNATIVE “NO WAITING” SIGNS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

SENSITIVE AREAS

(g) This sign No. (21), which shall be affixed near the electric vehicle charging

stations, indicates that between 7.00am and 10.00pm only electric vehicles may be

parked thereon for the purpose of charging, and for a maximum of thirty (30)

minutes after the vehicle is fully charged, whereas any electric vehicle may be

parked thereon without restrictions during the remaining hours

Provided that for the purposes of this provision, the term "electric vehicle" shall

mean a Category M1 or N1 vehicle which is powered solely and exclusively by one or

more electric motors, using electrical energy stored in batteries, which batteries are

charged with an external electricity source, including Plugin hybrid vehicles and

excluding electric motorcycles.

(21)

E.

Mandatory - Operation

These signs (or similar signs with a different symbol, words or figures) impose

certain obligations on vehicles or other road users, as specified by the particular

sign. They are placed slightly in advance, or at the point of commencement, of the

obligation.

(a) These signs impose an obligation on every vehicle on a minor road before

entering the major road, to stop at the single transverse line and not to pass the single

transverse line in such a manner or at such time as is likely to cause danger to any

other vehicle on the major road or as to necessitate that such vehicle changes its

speed or course in order to avoid a collision

(1)

(2)

STOP

STOP

(b) The GIVE WAY sign imposes an obligation on vehicles not to proceed into

the major road past the transverse line, known as the GIVE WAY line, as shown in

diagram (ib) in subparagraph (b) of paragraph B of Part IV of this Schedule, in such

a manner or at such time as is likely to cause danger to any vehicle on the major road

or as to necessitate that such vehicle changes its speed or course in order to avoid a

collision.

(3)

GIVE WAY

(c) This sign is exhibited by a School Crossing Patrol for the purpose of

stopping any vehicle or vehicles to allow children to cross roads. This sign imposes

an obligation on vehicles not to proceed past it, until it is removed by the school

crossing patrol.

(4)

SIGN EXHIBITED BY A SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL

TO STOP VEHICLES

(d) This sign, which is placed on narrow stretches of road, imposes an

obligation on all vehicles to give way to traffic approaching from the opposite

direction as shown by the black arrow.

(5)

GIVE WAY TO TRAFFIC

FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTION

(e) The first sign imposes an obligation on all vehicles to travel at a speed not

below that indicated on the sign (without exceeding any maximum speed limit that

may be in force). The second sign cancels the first sign.

(6)

(7)

MINIMUM SPEED LIMIT

END OF MINIMUM SPEED LIMIT

(f)

This sign imposes an obligation on all vehicles to slow down and give way

to pedestrians on the crossing. Vehicles may not cut the path at crossing pedestrians

or stop on the crossing when following slow traffic. Pedestrians must give a clear

indication of their intention to cross the road, and must complete the crossing as

expeditiously as possible.

(8)

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

(POSITION SIGN)

(g) The following sign indicates stopping places for motor route buses and vehicles

specifically authorised by the Authority for Transport in Malta to stop at such places in

terms of the Passenger Transport Services Regulations. Such vehicles may only stop within

the box defined by the yellow longitudinal lines and yellow broken transverse lines at such

authorised places.

BUS STOP

(h)

The following signs indicate that the traffic lane is reserved for

i.

motor vehicles constructed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers

(exclusive of the driver);

ii.

taxis

during the time shown in the bottom part of the plate. A symbol of a karrozzin or a

motorcycle or of a pedal cycle may also be included on the plate indicating that, in

addition to the vehicles above, the traffic lane is also reserved for karrozzini or

motorcycles or pedal cycles.

WITH-FLOW VEHICLE PRIORITY LANES

(11)

WITH-FLOW VEHICLE PRIORITY LANES

Sign placed at intermediate points along the with-flow vehicle priority lane

(i)

The following sign is installed on carriageways which intersect with a

carriageway on which a with-flow vehicle priority lane is situated.

VEHICLE PRIORITY LANE ON ROAD AT JUNCTION AHEAD

(j)

The following sign indicates that a with-flow vehicle priority lane has come

to an end.

(13)

END OF PRIORITY LANE

F.

Mandatory direction

These signs impose an obligation on all vehicles regarding directions which must

be taken as specified by each particular sign.

(a) These signs impose an obligation on all vehicles to turn left or right, as the

case may be, on reaching an intersection, and they are placed in advance of an

intersection.

(1)

(2)

TURN LEFT

TURN RIGHT

(b) These signs impose an obligation on all vehicles at an intersection to take

the direction specified by the particular sign, and they are placed at the intersection.

(3)

(4)

(5)

GO STRAIGHT AHEAD

GO LEFT

GO RIGHT

(c) This sign imposes an obligation on all vehicles to follow a clockwise

direction round a gyratory island. It is placed slightly in advance of the entry to the

roundabout.

(6)

ROUNDABOUT

(d) These signs impose an obligation an all vehicles regarding the side to which

they should keep on coming to a traffic island, a refuge bollard or other physical

barrier. They are placed at the approach end of the island, etc.

(7)

(8)

KEEP LEFT

KEEP RIGHT

(e) These signs impose an obligation on all vehicles at a junction to take one of

the alternative directions specified by the sign.

(9)

(10)

(11)

GO STRAIGHT OR LEFTGO STRAIGHT OR RIGHT

GO LEFT OR RIGHT

G.

Explanatory notes

These plates (or similar plates with different wording or figures) are rectangular in

shape and are appended below the traffic sign to which they refer, with the exception

of Nos.(1), (2) and (3) which are appended to the side of the sign. They serve to

convey supplementary information, or qualifications, to signs by giving definitive

instructions when such instructions are not absolute.

On time plates referring to prohibition on stationary vehicles, times of prohibition

are shown in black on a white ground if the prohibition excludes loading and

unloading, and on a yellow ground if loading and unloading are also prohibited.

Exceptions to a prohibition are shown on a blue ground in white lettering if they

apply to all vehicles, and in yellow lettering if they apply to loading and unloading

only. Such time plates apply to working days only (public holidays being prohibition

free) unless the plates have a red border, in which case their applicability is extended

to all days of the week.

Explanatory plates may also specify the categories of vehicles affected by or

excluded from the prohibition.

Any two or more plates may be combined on a single plate.

(a) The first two plates indicate the commencement and the termination of a

prohibition when such prohibition applies to a stretch of road and for which there are

no ad hoc terminal signs; the third plate indicates a prohibition on either side of the

relative sign.

(1)

(2)

(3)

START

END

CONTINUITY

OF PROHIBITION

OF PROHIBITION

OF PROHIBITION

(b) These plates may indicate either the distance at which a hazard or a definite

instruction will be met, or the distance over which a hazard or a definite instruction

extends.

(4)

(5)

DISTANCE PLATES

(c) This plate indicates the maximum period at any time for which vehicles may

be left in a stationary position in an area regulated by a sign of the type shown as

No.(5) under paragraph D of this Part of the Schedule when such period is more than

ten minutes.

(6)

TIME PLATE (PERIOD)

(d) This plate indicates the time during which a definite instruction is operative.

When referring to a prohibition on stationary vehicles, it does not include loading

and unloading in the prohibition, provided such loading or unloading is being

actively carried on, and does not extend beyond 30 minutes in any hour.

(7)

TIME PLATE

(e) This plate indicates the time during which a prohibition on stationary

vehicles is operative also as regards loading and unloading.

(8)

TIME PLATE INCLUDING

LOADING AND UNLOADING

(f)

This plate indicates the times during which -

(i)

a prohibition as in sub-paragraph (d) of this paragraph, and

(ii) a prohibition as in sub-paragraph (e) of this paragraph,

are operative when the tines during which these two prohibitions are operative do

not coincide.

(9)

COMBINED TIME PLATE

(g) This plate indicates the time during which a prohibition on stationary

vehicles is suspended.

(10)

PERMISSIVE TIME PLATE

(h) This plate has the same meaning as the foregoing one except that the

suspension of the prohibition applies only to vehicles actively loading or unloading.

(11)

PERMISSIVE TIME PLATE

FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING

(i)

This plate, namely a red border round the edges of the plates shown as Nos.

(7) to (11) under this paragraph, indicates that the instructions conveyed by such

plates are operative also on public holidays.

(12)

ALL WEEK PLATE

(j)

This plate indicates that, during the time specified thereon, no stopping of

vehicles is allowed on a road on which otherwise only the parking or waiting of

vehicles is prohibited.

(13)

PEAK HOUR CLEARWAY

(k) This plate signifies

the category of vehicles

affected by the provision of

a sign conveying a definite instruction when such provisions are not absolute.

(14)

CATEGORY PLATE

(l)

This plate indicates the category of vehicles excluded from the provisions of

a sign conveying a definite instruction.

(15)

PERMISSIVE CATEGORY PLATE

(m) The following plates which may be appended below warning signs, indicate

the nature of the hazard.

(16)

(17)

appended to sign (2) shown in paragraph F

appended to sign (2) shown in

of Part I

paragraph F of Part I

(18)

(19)

appended to sign (2) shown in paragraph F

appended to signs (2) and (4)

of Part I

shown in paragraph F of Part I

(20)

(21)

or

appended to sign (8) shown

in paragraph E of Part I

or

PART III - INFORMATIVE SIGNS

Informative signs are normally rectangular in shape and have white lettering on a

blue ground. Exceptionally they may include red symbols denoting a possible

hazard. A special class of informative signs relating to individual sites or buildings

of particular touristic interest has black lettering on a yellow ground. The signs

shown as types Nos. (1) and (2) under paragraph A of this Part of the Schedule are

different.

Informative signs are mainly put up to assist road users with regard to choice of

routes, names and positions of towns and villages or other localities and places of

interest, parking and other facilities, as well as with regard to other information

where difficulties might otherwise arise.

A.

Operation

These signs convey certain operational information as specified by each particular

sign, and are placed in the position best suited to enable the information conveyed to

be made use of by vehicular traffic.

(a) The first sign conveys the information that traffic on that road has priority

over cross or intersecting traffic on or from other roads. It is placed at the start of the

road enjoying priority and it may be repeated at intersections. The second sign

cancels the first one.

(1)

(2)

PRIORITY OVER CROSS TRAFFIC

END OF PRIORITY

(b) This sign conveys the information that traffic from the direction facing it has

priority over traffic from the opposite direction along narrow stretches of road where

only one line of traffic can pass with safety.

(3)

PRIORITY OVER TRAFFIC

FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTION

(c) This sign conveys the information that the road is not a through road and it

is placed at the last point at which an alternative direction is available.

(4)

CUL-DE-SAC

(d) This sign indicates that the first intersecting road to the left is no through

road. A modified form of this sign may be used to indicate a no through road to the

right.

(5)

CUL-DE-SAC

ON LEFT

(e) This sign indicates a road which may be used by motor tractors with trailers,

by heavy commercial vehicles and by other commercial vehicles loaded with a

container. Such a road may not be used during the hours shown on the plate attached

under it.

B.

Indication

These signs convey information of a general nature relating to parking places, taxi

and cab stands, hospitals and other facilities and they may be accompanied by

explanatory plates to make the information clearer.

(a)

The first sign conveys the information that the place is an authorised parking

place. Explanatory plates may limit parking duration or the times of authorised

parking as well as specify the categories of vehicles allowed or excluded. In such

areas vehicles must be parked within parking bays, if provided, or as directed by an

authorised park attendant. The second and third signs indicate the proximity of

parking places to the left or to the right of the sign, as the case may be

(1)

(2)

(3)

PARKING PLACE

PARKING PLACE

PARKING PLACE

TO THE LEFT

TO THE RIGHT

(b) This sign conveys the information that there is a hospital in the

neighbourhood. Vehicles should be driven with the minimum of noise possible.

(4)

(c) These signs convey the information that the place is reserved as a stand for

taxis or karrozzini, as the case may be, and that no other vehicles may park therein.

Plates may be attached to these signs specifying the number of taxis or karrozzini, as

the case may be, for which reservation is made.

(5)

(6)

TAXI STAND

ELECTRIC MINI CAB STAND

(6A)

KARROZZINI STAND

(d) This sign conveys the information that the place is reserved for the parking of

vehicles which have the Blue Badge displayed as provided for by the Parking

Concessions for Persons with Disability Act (Cap. 560), and that vehicles which are

parked in this place illegally shall be towed away without prior notice.

(7)

PARKING PLACE RESERVED FOR

BLUE BADGE HOLDERS ONLY

(e)

(8)

VEHICLES MAY BE PARKED PARTIALLY

ON THE VERGE OR FOOTWAY

(9)

END OF AREA WHERE VEHICLES MAY BE PARKED

PARTIALLY ON THE VERGE OR FOOTWAY

(10)

VEHICLES MAY BE PARKED PARTIALLY ON THE VERGE OR FOOTWAY

DURING THE PERIOD INDICATED

(f)

This sign conveys the information that the place is strictly and exclusively

reserved for the parking of car sharing vehicles which have the appropriate car

sharing vehicle registration plate and the appropriate sticker issued by the Authority

affixed to their windscreen. This sign further conveys the information that vehicles

which are parked illegally in this place will be towed away.

(g) This sign conveys the information that the place is strictly and exclusively

reserved for the parking of electric vehicles which require the use of electric vehicle

charging pillars. This sign further conveys the information that vehicles which are

parked illegally in this place will be towed away.

C.

Place names and direction

These signs convey information relating to directions, routes or place names, as

specified by the particular signs. They may be supplemented by explanatory plates.

(a) These signs indicate in a diagrammatic form (map or stack type) the

directions available at an intersection and the destinations thereto. Normally, the

only destination name given for each direction is that of the first important locality,

but this may be supplemented or replaced by the name of a more significant locality

beyond. These signs are placed at a suitable distance in advance of the intersection.

(1)

(2)

(3)

ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGNS

(b) These signs are arrow shaped and point the route to a particular locality.

They are placed at or near those branches of important intersections leading thereto.

ROUTE SIGNS

(c) These signs indicate the name of the town or village or other well defined

locality, and are placed at the immediate approach thereof

PLACE NAMES

D.

Places of touristic interest

These signs are identical to the corresponding signs under paragraph C of this Part

of the Schedule, except that they relate to individual sites or buildings, or to

particular places within a town or village, which are considered of potential interest

to tourists and visitors.

ROUTE SIGNS

PLACE NAMES

E.

Other directional signs

(1)

(2)

DIRECTION TO FREE

DIRECTION TO TOILET

PARKING

FACILITIES

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

(3)

DIRECTION TO CAR FERRY

(Plate showing name of place is to be appended)

PART IV - CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

Longitudinal lines

(i)

(ii)

(i)

CONTINUOUS WHITE LINE (Centre line)

Vehicles shall keep to the left of such line and shall not be driven over, across or

astride such line, except in the following circumstances and only when it is safe to

do so

(a) to reach adjoining premises, unless there is a ''No Right Turn'' sign

prohibiting the turn;

(b) to enter a side road, unless there is a ''No Right Turn'' sign prohibiting

the turn.

(ii) DOUBLE CONTINUOUS WHITE LINE (Centre line on multi-lane

roads)

The provisions in respect of continuous white lines shall be applicable to double

continuous white lines.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(iii) BROKEN WHITE LINE (Lane line)

Vehicles shall be driven inside the lane defined by such lines and shall not be

driven on or astride such lines or wander between lanes marked by such lines.

(a) Where the carriageway is divided by a broken white line into two lanes as in

diagram (a), vehicles shall keep inside their left lane except for the purpose of

overtaking.

(b) Where the carriageway is divided into three lanes by lane markings as in

diagram (b), no vehicle shall be driven on the central lane except -

(i)

for the purpose of overtaking, or

(ii) for the purpose of making a righthand turn,

when this can be done with safety having regard to both flows of traffic

Provided that no vehicle shall be driven on the central lane for a distance longer

than absolutely necessary to overtake another vehicle or to take up position before or

after making a right-hand turn.

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS

(c) Where the carriageway is divided into four lanes as in diagram (c) -

(i)

vehicles shall be driven inside the lane defined by such lines and shall

not be driven on or astride such lines or wander between lanes marked

by such lines;

(ii) vehicles shall keep to the kerb-side lane marked by such lines and shall

only use the outer lane when overtaking or to take up position before or

after making a right-hand turn, but no vehicle may cross from one lane

to another unless this can be safely undertaken having regard to any

vehicle proceeding along the other lane;

(iii) under conditions of stop-go traffic, vehicles on the kerb-side lane may

proceed at a faster speed than those on the outer lane.

(iv)

(iv) CONTINUOUS-CUM-BROKEN WHITE LINE

(Centre line at bends or intersections)

Vehicles may only be driven across such lines from the side of the broken line to

the other side of the carriageway; no vehicles on the side of the continuous line shall

be driven across such line, and no vehicles shall be driven on or astride any such

(v)

(v) CARRIAGEWAY BOUNDARY LINE (Yellow)

Vehicles shall not be driven on, across or astride such lines.

B.Transverse lines

(i)

STOP LINE (White)

(a) This line imposes an obligation on every vehicle on a minor road, before

entering a major road, to stop before the front wheels reach the single transverse line

and not to pass such line in such a manner or at such times as is likely to cause

danger to any other vehicle on the major road or to necessitate that such other

vehicle changes its speed or course in order to avoid a collision.

(ia)

STOP TRANSVERSE LINE

(b) The Give Way line imposes an obligation on vehicles not to proceed into the

major road past it, in such a manner or at such times as is likely to cause danger to

any vehicle on the major road or as to necessitate that such vehicle changes its speed

or course in order to avoid a collision.

(ib)

“GIVE WAY” TRANSVERSE LINE

(c) This transverse line is placed at intersections on the approach of a

roundabout and imposes an obligation on vehicles not to proceed past the line onto

the carriageway of the roundabout in such a manner or at such time as is likely to

cause danger to any vehicle on the roundabout carriageway or as to necessitate that

such vehicle changes its speed or course in order to avoid a collision.

(ic)

GIVE WAY TO TRAFFIC CIRCULATING ON THE

CARRIAGE OF THE ROUNDABOUT

(ii)

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

(d) Vehicles shall be slowed down when approaching such marking and shall

not be driven across the path of any pedestrian making use of such crossing.

(iii)

BELISHA BEACONS CROSSING

(e) Vehicles excluded from stopping within zig zag area on the approach of the

crossing.

(iv)

(iv) STOP SIGN AT LEVEL CROSSING

(f)

The intermittent red signals shall convey the prohibition that traffic shall not

proceed beyond the stop line; and the amber signal shall convey the prohibition that

traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line on the carriageway, except for a vehicle

which is so close to the stop line that it cannot be safely stopped without proceeding

beyond the stop line.

C.

Other markings

(a)

(i)

(b)

BUS BAYS

Motor route buses and vehicles authorised in terms of regulation 69 of the

Passenger Transport Services Regulations shall be driven into the box defined by the

yellow longitudinal lines and broken yellow transverse lines whenever approaching

a bus bay and may stop temporarily for the purpose of setting down or picking up

passengers or for layover purposes. Vehicles, other than a motor route bus and

vehicles authorised in terms of regulation 69 of the Passenger Transport Services

Regulations, shall not stop inside the box defined by the yellow longitudinal lines

and broken yellow transverse lines.

Bus bays may be surfaced in coloured material in order to demarcate them more

emphatically and to discourage encroachment by other vehicles. However, coloured

surfacing has no legal significance; it is the prescribed traffic signs and road

markings which establish the legal status of a bus bay.

(c)

(d)

BUS LAY-BY

Motor route buses and vehicles authorised by the Authority for Transport in Malta

in terms of regulation 69 of the Passenger Transport Vehicles Regulations may stop

temporarily within the box defined by the yellow longitudinal lines and broken

yellow transverse lines. Vehicles, other than a motor route bus and vehicles

a u t h o r i s e d i n t er m s o f r e g u l a t i o n 6 9 o f t h e P a s s e n g e r Tr a n s p o r t S er v i c es

Regulations, shall not step inside the broken yellow longitudinal line.

Bus lay-bys may be surfaced in coloured material in order to demarcate them more

emphatically and to discourage encroachment by other vehicles. However, coloured

surfacing has no legal significance; it is the prescribed traffic signs and road

markings which establish the legal status of a bus lay-by.

(ii)

OBSTACLE WARNING LINES OR

OBSTACLE SHADOW LINES

Vehicles shall not be driven over or across such lines on the area enclosed by such

lines except in an emergency or when directed to do so by the Police.

(iii)

DIRECTIONAL ARROWS

Vehicles proceeding along the lane enclosing such arrows shall not, on reaching an

intersection or junction, proceed in any direction other than that indicated by the

arrows.

(iv)

PARKING BAYS

(Continuous or broken white or yellow lines)

Vehicles shall be parked where practicable within the space allotted for parking to

fit centrally in the bays.

In the case of bays of varying sizes, vehicles should be parked, wherever

practicable, inside the appropriate bay in relation to their size.

(v)

BOX SQUARE

This carriageway marking is found at places where streams of traffic intersect.

A vehicle shall not, under no circumstances, be stopped on such markings and, if it

is required to halt the vehicle beyond such marking, no part of the vehicle shall

remain on, or extend over, such marking.

(vi)

RESERVED

(vi) This carriageway marking is found at places where the parking of motor

vehicles is reserved for special purposes, e.g., in front of Ministries, Government

Departments or hotels.

(vii)

NO WAITING

NO STOPPING

(vii) The yellow lines (viia) and (viib) are painted at the edge of the carriageway

respectively in lieu of the signs (6) and (7) in subparagraph (c) of paragraph D of

Part II of this Schedule and shall have the meaning of the said signs (6) and (7)

respectively.

(viii)

(viii) The yellow line with the words SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR or the words

HOSPITAL or AMBULANCE STATION or FIRE STATION or the name of any

other similar building, and the words KEEP CLEAR is to indicate to vehicular traffic

that part of the carriageway outside a school or other such building indicated, which

should be kept clear of stationary vehicles.

(ix)

(ix) indicates the approach of a road junction at or near which are placed a STOP

sign and STOP transverse lines.

(x)

(x) indicates the approach to a road junction at or near which is placed the GIVE

WAY sign.

(xi)

(xi) indicates potential danger ahead and the need to proceed with caution.

(xii)

(xii) indicates that part of the carriageway that should be kept clear of stationary

vehicles.

(xiii)

(xiii) indicates that traffic is to proceed only in the direction of the arrow.

(xiv)

(xiv) indicates a compulsory right turn.

(xv)

(xv) indicates a compulsory left turn.

(xvi)

(xvi) is an alternative method of indicating NO ENTRY for vehicular traffic.

(xvii)

(xvii) indicates that in this reserved lane only vehicles identified on the with-flow

vehicle priority lane signs (diagrams x and y) may be driven during the operational

hours prescribed on the sign. Priority lanes may be surfaced in coloured material in

order to demarcate them more emphatically and to discourage encroachment by

other vehicles. However, coloured surfacing has no legal significance; it is the

prescribed traffic signs and road markings which establish the legal status of a

vehicle priority lane.

(xviii)

(xviii) indicates that a with-flow priority lane is ending.

(xix)

(xix) indicates that a priority lane is interrupted to enable vehicles to use the left

hand lane before turning left at a side road junction.

(xx)

(xx) On encountering such a marking, drivers shall, other things being equal,

give priority to motor route buses which are exiting a bus bay or a bus lay-by.

PART V - INTERPRETATION

For the purpose of this Schedule -

"minor road" means a road at a road junction on which road there is placed a

STOP sign or a GIVE WAY sign;

"major road" means the road at a road junction into which road there emerges

vehicular traffic from a minor road.

Where any traffic sign or carriageway marking, being a

sign or marking for regulating the traffic of vehicles or pedestrians

or other road users, or for indicating the route to be followed by

such road users, and being of the colour and type prescribed and/or

illustrated in the Schedule, has been placed, erected, affixed or

painted by or on behalf or on the direction of the Authority for

Transport in Malta on or near any street or on the carriageway,

every person driving or in control of a vehicle, or using the street as

a pedestrian or in any other manner, shall conform to the indication

conveyed by the sign or marking in accordance with the meaning

given thereto in the said Schedule.