Transport Minister Chris Bonett has warned that Uber risks having its operating licence suspended unless it complies with new regulations governing Malta's Y-plate sector.

In a Facebook post, the minister said amendments to the law came into force on Wednesday but alleged that Uber had failed to implement a number of required changes.

Bonett said that, among other issues, the ride-hailing platform had "without any legal basis" prevented self-employed drivers and small operators from working.

He said Transport Malta was taking all legal steps available to ensure compliance.

"If Uber fails to comply within the timeframes established by law, Transport Malta will proceed to suspend the company's operating licence," Bonett said.

He added that Uber had been aware of the legislative changes for months, noting that the reforms had been drafted following discussions with ride-hailing platforms, fleet operators and both employed and self-employed drivers.

"The laws were written to strengthen the sector and enhance the credibility of this service as a reliable and effective alternative means of transport," Bonett said, adding that Uber's actions were harming both the industry and its workers.

The warning comes after the government introduced a package of reforms aimed at overhauling the Y-plate sector.

Among the new measures, Transport Malta has been granted the power to enforce a maximum 12-hour daily driving limit for cab drivers through access to real-time data from ride-hailing platforms. Drivers who exceed the limit face escalating penalties, including warnings, fines of up to €500 and the possible suspension of their driver tag.