02.04.2026 01:11
The Maltese government has taken a striking step to reduce traffic congestion by launching an unusual incentive program for young drivers. According to the new regulation, individuals under 30 who give their driving license to the state for a period of 5 years will receive an incentive of up to 1 million TL. Comments have been made that this method, to be implemented by Malta, one of the smallest countries in Europe, could serve as an example for Istanbul, which experiences the world's most congested traffic.
In Malta, one of the smallest countries in Europe, the government has launched a remarkable incentive plan to reduce the traffic congestion that has reached an unmanageable level. Young drivers will receive approximately 25,000 euros (1 million TL) if they surrender their driving licenses for a period of 5 years.
INCENTIVE FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
The island nation of Malta has implemented a rarely seen application worldwide against its chronic traffic problem. The government aims to reduce vehicle usage and promote public transportation, particularly targeting young drivers.
25,000 EUROS FOR 5 YEARS
According to the plan announced by Transport Minister Chris Bonett, individuals under 30 will surrender their licenses to the state for at least 5 years.
Participants in the program will receive a total payment of 25,000 euros. This amount will not be given in a single payment but will be distributed gradually at 5,000 euros per year.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Some criteria have also been established for those wishing to apply for the program:
Must have resided in Malta for at least 7 years,
Must have actively used their license for at least 1 year,
Must not have had their license revoked due to serious traffic violations,
REFUND REQUIRED FOR EARLY RETURN
If participants wish to drive again before the 5-year period is over, they will have to repay the amount received based on the remaining time. For those wishing to obtain their license again at the end of the period, a 15-hour driving training requirement has been introduced.
ANNUAL BUDGET OF 5 MILLION EUROS ALLOCATED
The Maltese government has allocated an annual budget of 5 million euros for the implementation. In this context, it is aimed for approximately 1,000 young people to benefit from the program each year. According to initial data, a significant portion of young people has started to prefer the financial incentive.
COULD BE A MODEL FOR ISTANBUL
Experts evaluate that this model could serve as an example for traffic-congested metropolises like Istanbul, especially considering the intense traffic problems experienced in large cities.