Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Mandatory seat belt rule takes effect on Sri Lankan expressways
Sri Lanka's Ministry of Transport and Highways has implemented a new compulsory seat belt requirement for all expressway passengers, effective from midnight. The enforcement marks a significant step toward strengthening road safety standards across the country's highway network.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Ministry of Transport and Highways announced the enforcement of mandatory seat belt usage for all passengers traveling on expressways, with the regulation coming into force from midnight onwards. The decision applies to all vehicle occupants, regardless of seating position, underscoring authorities' commitment to reducing road fatalities and injuries on high-speed routes.
The measure represents part of broader efforts by the transport ministry to enhance safety protocols on Sri Lanka's expressway network, which experiences significant daily traffic volumes. Officials have indicated that the regulation will be enforced uniformly across all expressway corridors throughout the country.
Drivers and vehicle owners are advised to ensure compliance with the new requirement to avoid potential penalties. The ministry is expected to conduct awareness campaigns and deploy enforcement units to monitor adherence to the seat belt mandate during the initial implementation phase.
Road safety advocates have generally welcomed the initiative, noting that seat belt usage significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries in vehicle accidents. The enforcement comes as regional governments across South Asia increasingly prioritize traffic safety measures to address rising road accident statistics.