Imagine being offered a small fortune to give up your car keys forever. Would you take the deal? On the picturesque island of Malta, a bold experiment is underway, but it’s not going as planned.
February 17, 2026 — 3:30pm
In Valletta, Malta, the government has proposed a radical solution to its traffic woes: pay young adults €25,000 over five years to surrender their driver’s licenses. That’s roughly $42,000—enough to buy a brand-new car once the five years are up, with maybe a little left over for a Fiat 500 or a Renault 4 electric vehicle. But here’s where it gets controversial: the island’s youth aren’t biting.
Despite the hefty payout, young Maltese citizens like 18-year-old Gianluca Cremona, an apprentice aviation mechanic, are hesitant. For them, driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s a rite of passage, a symbol of freedom, and a way to explore the island’s hidden gems, like the stunning Blue Grotto or the sandy shores of Golden Bay. As Cremona puts it, “Getting your license is a big part of being 18. It’s about driving around, having fun, and feeling independent. This idea just doesn’t sit right with a lot of people.”
And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the love of driving. Many young Maltese are skeptical because public transportation on the island is unreliable. With no metro system and inconsistent bus schedules, giving up a car feels like giving up independence. “Buses? They’re not that reliable. We can all be honest about that,” Cremona says. “It’s impossible to work without a car, let alone start your life properly.”
Malta’s car congestion is no small problem. With 784 motor vehicles per 1,000 people, according to the National Transport Master Plan 2030, the island has one of the highest vehicle-to-person ratios in the European Union—surpassing even Poland (703) and Italy (681). And at just 316 square kilometers, Malta is the EU’s smallest nation, making its traffic issues even more glaring.
Transport Minister Chris Bonett acknowledges that the license incentive is just one piece of the puzzle. Other measures include park-and-ride schemes, expanded bus routes, and investments in road infrastructure. There’s also a growing acceptance that remote work could ease traffic. But the license scheme has become the hot-button issue among the youth.
One major concern? The payments are spread out at €5,000 per year, requiring patience. For many, though, the real issue is the lack of viable alternatives to driving. The Maltese National Youth Council sums it up: “Individuals cannot be expected to abandon private vehicles unless they are first provided with a public transport system that is reliable, efficient, and trustworthy.”
Tourists might not notice the problem. Valletta and its surrounding areas are perfect for walking or hopping on a small boat across the harbor. Visitors can easily stroll from 16th-century fortress walls to WWII tunnels in minutes, pausing at charming cafes and shops along the way. But for locals, especially workers like Cremona, who starts his day at 6 a.m. at the airport, the reality is far less idyllic.
Cremona has a counterproposal: “Why not offer the money to older drivers, starting with those over 70? They’re less likely to need their cars daily.” It’s a thought-provoking idea that shifts the focus from young drivers to those who might be more willing—or able—to give up their keys.
The government has budgeted €25 million for the policy, meaning only 1,000 people need to accept the offer. But will they? Cremona, for one, isn’t budging. “Driving with friends to places like Blue Grotto at sunset—it’s amazing. There’s no way I’d give that up.”
What do you think? Is Malta’s plan a brilliant solution or a misguided effort? Would you give up your car for $42,000? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
