All applications to certify vintage vehicles in the Maltese islands have been frozen and stockpiling for the past four weeks because the Transport Malta appointed committee that handles them disbanded, said the Maltese Federation for Antique Vehicles.

The Federazzjoni Maltija Vetturi Antiki (FMVA) stated that as of Monday, 23 February 2026, exactly four weeks have passed since the Vintage Vehicle Classification (VVC) Committee held its last meeting. The VVC Committee is a Transport Malta appointed committee that conducts inspections, valuations, and re-certifications of classic and vintage applications in the country.

However, since this Committee was terminated on 26 January, no new Committee has been appointed to take its place.

The FMVA stated that this situation is causing concern and problems among enthusiasts and applicants. These “unnecessary delays” prevent people from certifying their classic vehicles or registering newly imported classics, it said.

Since the VVC Committee’s disbanded on 26 January 2026, applications have continued to flood in from enthusiasts for when the new Committee can begin its term.

The FMVA is an official FIVA-recognised body for vintage vehicles in the Maltese Islands and labels itself as a “prime mover behind the introduction of numerous favourable concessions for local enthusiasts.”

The news comes only a few months after new guidelines regulating the classification of vintage vehicles came into force.  The new rules introduced stricter measures to verify the authenticity, condition, and originality of vehicles.

One of the most notable changes included a new recertification requirement for vehicles between 30 and 49 years old, which are now subject to inspection every five years.