A new Legal Notice has come into force allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to people who are not resident in Malta for minor offences and contraventions.
The measure seeks to address cases where fines issued to non-residents have remained unpaid. Under the new legal framework, payment can be made immediately at the time of the contravention, strengthening enforcement. If a person does not pay the fine, their passport or travel document may be retained.
The law does not remove a person’s right to file a petition challenging the fine.
Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield said the measure “is not against tourists, but in favour of justice and equality before the law”.
“Those who choose not to respect the rules must take responsibility for their actions, regardless of where they come from,” Bedingfield said.
Justice, Research and Innovation Minister Clifton Grima said the measure “closes a loophole” that had affected law enforcement while safeguarding the right to contest a fine before the competent fora.
The Legal Notice entered into force today.
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