Maldives (MV)
The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.
Driving in Maldives
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in the Maldives is governed by the Road Traffic Regulation (Regulation No. 2009/R-3) administered by the Transport Authority of the Maldives. The Maldives drives on the left. The road network is limited to Malé (5.8 km²), Hulhumalé, Addu City (Hithadhoo), and a handful of larger inhabited islands. Motorcycles and scooters dominate Malé roads, creating dense traffic despite the tiny area. The Sinamalé Bridge (1.39 km, opened 2018) connects Malé to Hulhumalé and Velana International Airport on Hulhulé. Most expats on resort postings have no need for a driving licence — resort islands have no public roads. Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
Driving Licence Exchange
A valid foreign driving licence (with an IDP) is accepted for the first 30 days in the Maldives. Beyond 30 days, long-term residents must convert to a Maldivian licence at the Transport Authority. There are no bilateral fast-track agreements — all nationalities follow the same conversion process.
EU licences carry no special status in the Maldives. For the first 30 days, your EU licence plus a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is sufficient. For long-term residence beyond 30 days: (1) Complete an eye test at a Ministry of Health-certified clinic. (2) Submit your original EU licence, certified copy, valid passport, visa/permit copy, and two passport photos to the Transport Authority (transport.gov.mv). (3) Pay the conversion fee. (4) A written/oral test may be required if the examiner deems it necessary. Processing time: 1–2 weeks.
The IDP must be obtained in your home country before travel. Bring the original foreign licence — the Transport Authority retains the copy. Your foreign licence must remain valid at the time of conversion.
Same process as EU holders: (1) Eye test at a Ministry of Health-certified clinic. (2) Submit original foreign licence, certified copy, passport, visa/permit copy, and two passport photos to the Transport Authority. (3) Pay the conversion fee. (4) Written or oral test may be required for applicants from countries with very different traffic systems. IDP plus home licence is valid for the first 30 days.
Licences from most countries are accepted for conversion without a full practical test. SAARC nationals (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan) are well-represented in the expat workforce and follow the same standard process. Book appointments at the Transport Authority main office on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé.
Road Rules
30 km/h on most roads in Malé and other inhabited islands. 50 km/h on the Sinamalé Bridge approach roads and Hulhumalé main boulevard. No speed limit above 30 km/h applies on most inner-island roads. Speed bumps are common at residential intersections. Traffic volume in Malé makes speeding physically impractical much of the time.
Zero tolerance (0.0%) — alcohol is constitutionally banned on inhabited islands in the Maldives (Islamic republic). Alcohol is only available at resort islands and licensed tourist facilities. Any trace of alcohol while driving on an inhabited island constitutes a criminal offence with severe penalties including fines, deportation for foreigners, and imprisonment.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: MVR 1,000. Hands-free devices are permitted.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants where fitted. Most motorcycles and scooters do not have seatbelts — helmets are required instead. Fine for no seatbelt in a car: MVR 500.
Children under 12 must use appropriate child restraints where fitted. Child seats have limited availability locally — bring a quality certified seat from abroad for young children.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in the Maldives are enforced by the Maldives Police Service under the Road Traffic Regulation. Fines are denominated in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Fines can be paid at the Police headquarters in Malé or through the government's online payment portal. Unpaid fines may prevent driving licence or vehicle registration renewal.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding: 1–20 km/h above posted limit | MVR 500–1,000 | — |
| Speeding: 21+ km/h above posted limit | MVR 1,500–3,000 | — |
| Using handheld mobile phone while driving | MVR 1,000 | — |
| No seatbelt (where applicable in a car) | MVR 500 | — |
| Motorcycle/scooter rider without helmet | MVR 500–1,000 | — |
| Illegal parking (yellow-line zone or obstruction) | MVR 200–500 | — |
| Running a red traffic light | MVR 500–1,000 | — |
| Driving without a valid licence | MVR 1,500–5,000 + vehicle impoundment | — |
| Driving without valid TPL insurance | MVR 1,000–5,000 + vehicle impoundment | — |
| Reckless or dangerous driving | MVR 2,000–10,000 + possible imprisonment | — |
Buying a Car
Car ownership in Malé is expensive due to high import duties and severe parking constraints. Most Malé residents use motorcycles or scooters. Cars make practical sense primarily in Hulhumalé (more space, wider roads). The second-hand market is small — check Facebook Marketplace Maldives or Maldives classifieds (maldivesjobs.mv). Japanese-brand used imports are most common.
- 1.Find a vehicle through a dealer or private sale — check Facebook Marketplace Maldives or local classifieds on maldivesjobs.mv.
- 2.Arrange an independent mechanical inspection — no formal roadworthiness test for used vehicles, so a trusted mechanic inspection is essential.
- 3.Verify the vehicle registration document at the Transport Authority to confirm ownership and no outstanding liens.
- 4.Complete transfer of ownership at the Transport Authority (transport.gov.mv) — present sale agreement, registration document, and both parties' IDs.
- 5.Register the vehicle in your name with the Transport Authority and pay the applicable registration fee.
- 6.Obtain mandatory Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance from a licensed insurer before driving.
- 7.Pay the annual vehicle tax at the Transport Authority or via government payment portal.
- •Registration document — verify owner identity and chassis/engine number match.
- •Outstanding finance or government liens — check at Transport Authority.
- •Chassis and engine numbers match the registration document.
- •Valid TPL insurance certificate — confirm it is transferable to the new owner.
Budget for: purchase price (used scooter: MVR 8,000–25,000; used car: MVR 50,000–200,000+), import duty if importing new (25–100%+ of CIF value depending on engine size and category), registration fee (MVR 500–2,000), annual road tax (motorcycle: MVR 500–1,000/year; car: MVR 1,500–3,000/year), TPL insurance (MVR 2,500–8,000/year).
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Vehicle registration is managed by the Transport Authority of the Maldives (transport.gov.mv). All motor vehicles must be registered before use. On change of ownership: present the sale agreement, current registration document, and both parties' IDs at the Transport Authority. A new registration certificate is issued in the buyer's name. Registration documents must be carried when driving. Annual road tax must be paid to keep registration current.
Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance is legally mandatory for all registered vehicles. Available from Allied Insurance (allied.com.mv), Amana Takaful, and Dhivehi Insurance — all regulated by the Capital Market Development Authority (CMDA). Annual premium: MVR 2,500–8,000 depending on vehicle type and engine size. Comprehensive motor insurance is recommended given high vehicle replacement and repair costs.
Annual vehicle tax is payable to the Transport Authority of the Maldives. Rates vary by vehicle type and engine capacity: motorcycles/scooters MVR 500–1,000/year; cars MVR 1,500–3,000/year. Unpaid vehicle tax prevents registration renewal.
Cycling
Cycling is practical in Malé, Hulhumalé, and Addu City (Hithadhoo). Hulhumalé has designated cycle lanes as part of its planned urban layout and is significantly more cycle-friendly than Malé. Malé is small enough to reach anywhere by bicycle in under 15 minutes, though traffic is chaotic. Resort islands may provide staff bicycles for getting around the island.
- •Cyclists must ride on the left side of the road.
- •Helmets are not legally required for cyclists but are strongly recommended given Malé traffic.
- •Lights — front white and rear red — are required for cycling at night.
- •Do not cycle on pavements where pedestrians are present — use the road.
- •Obey all traffic signals — fines apply for red-light violations on bicycles.
- •A bicycle or scooter is far more practical than a car in Malé — parking is critically scarce and distances are tiny.
- •Hulhumalé has wider roads and designated cycle lanes — strongly preferable to Malé for regular cycling.
- •Bicycles can be taken across the Sinamalé Bridge by road; pedestrian/cycle paths were incorporated into the bridge design.
- •On resort islands, bicycles are often provided by the employer for staff transport around the island.
- •Lock your bicycle with a quality lock — low-level theft occurs in Malé.