Police to enforce seat belt laws on Sri Lankan expressways

The Traffic Management and Road Safety Division has announced a stepped-up enforcement campaign targeting vehicles operating in violation of seat belt requirements on expressway networks. According to Deputy Inspector General W.P.J. Senadheera, who oversees the division, all passengers must wear seat belts while travelling on expressways, and vehicles may only carry occupants up to the number of available belted seats.

Under the directive, vehicles equipped with only two seat belts, for example, are prohibited from transporting additional unbelted passengers. Police have warned that violations will result in legal proceedings against drivers and vehicle owners who fail to observe these safety protocols.

The enforcement drive reflects ongoing efforts by Sri Lankan authorities to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities on high-speed routes. Expressways account for a significant portion of long-distance travel in the country, making compliance with safety standards a key priority for traffic management officials.

Mototorists are advised to ensure all passengers are properly restrained with functioning seat belts before operating vehicles on expressway networks. The police have indicated that compliance checks will be conducted routinely across major expressway corridors.