Beddingfield Signs New Rules Bringing Instant Fines For Tourists

Foreign nationals who do not habitually reside in Malta will soon have to pay fines immediately if they are caught committing certain offences, following the publication of a new legal notice.

Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Beddingfield announced that he has signed the legal notice, which will now be published in the Government Gazette.

The new rules will come into force 24 hours after publication, giving Police officers, LESA officials and Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) officers the power to issue fines and request immediate payment from non-residents.

The new system will allow enforcement officers to collect electronic payments directly at the time of the offence, eliminating the need for offenders to settle fines at a later date.

The regulations were originally expected to take effect on 1st June, but their implementation was delayed during the election period.

According to the authorities, the move is aimed at addressing a long-standing issue whereby some visitors and temporary residents left Malta without paying fines issued against them.

By introducing on-the-spot payments, the government says it hopes to strengthen enforcement, improve the collection of penalties and ensure that non-residents are held accountable for offences committed while in Malta.