Malta offers €25,000 to drivers who surrender licences for five years

Malta's government has launched a "Driving Licence Surrender Scheme" that pays €25,000 to eligible young drivers who give up their licence for five years. The incentive is disbursed in five equal annual payments of €5,000, with the first installment paid immediately after the licence is surrendered. The programme, open for applications until June, is limited to residents who are under 30, have lived on the island for at least seven years, hold a Category B licence for a minimum of 12 months, and whose job does not require a licence. Applicants must not have had a licence previously revoked or suspended, and they cannot hold licences issued outside the EU.

Participants sign a contract agreeing not to operate any motor vehicle anywhere in the world for the five‑year period. Violation results in a €5,000 fine, repayment of all received funds and further legal action. Early withdrawal is possible but requires returning the remaining incentive and may incur additional penalties up to €20,000. After the term, former participants must re‑apply and complete at least 15 hours of driving‑school training to regain their licence. Transport Minister Chris Bonett defended the scheme as a voluntary measure aimed at creating a "mobility shock" and reducing car dependency among Malta's youth.