Clifton Grima Announces Minimum On-the-Spot Fines to Double

Through a Legal Notice to be published today, the minimum penalty for fines that are issued and paid immediately on the spot (on-the-spot fines) will double from €25 to €50, or to the minimum penalty already provided by law for the specific offence, whichever is higher.

This means that in cases where the law already prescribes a higher minimum penalty, that higher penalty will continue to apply, ensuring that no penalty lower than the one the law considers appropriate for the offence is imposed.

This measure is intended to strengthen law enforcement, improve compliance with regulations, and make penalties a more effective deterrent for anyone considering breaking the law.

This Legal Notice is linked to another one issued at the beginning of last month, which introduced the possibility of issuing on-the-spot fines to persons who are not residents of Malta. These fines apply to minor offences and contraventions.

As a result, payment of the fine can now be made immediately at the time the offence is committed, further strengthening law enforcement. At the same time, if a person fails to pay the fine, their passport or travel document will be retained.

The Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, stated that this Legal Notice is another step towards a more effective and fair justice system. He remarked that "we are continuing to build a modern legal framework that strengthens accountability and increases public confidence in the justice system."

He added that one should enjoy being in Malta, but they should respect the country's laws and most of all, respect the Maltese people.

UPDATED WITH MINISTER GLENN BEDINGFIELD'S STATEMENT

Minister for Home Affairs Glenn Bedingfield welcomed the news, highlighting how in some cases the fine will be seven times higher, whereas in other circumstances the minimum will be doubled.

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