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Sri Lanka Police Enforce Expressway Seat Belt Rule Strictly

Sri Lankan police have issued a strict warning that the number of passengers permitted on expressways cannot exceed the available seat belts in a vehicle. Motorists face legal consequences for violations of the mandatory safety requirement.

LSN Sri Lanka · 22 September 2026

Sri Lanka Police Enforce Expressway Seat Belt Rule Strictly

Law enforcement authorities have clarified that vehicle occupancy on expressways is strictly limited by the number of functioning seat belts available, reinforcing a safety-focused approach to highway travel across the country.

The Police Department has warned that passengers who travel on expressways without access to an available seat belt may face legal action under traffic regulations. The directive applies across all expressway networks and is intended to reduce casualties from road accidents.

According to Deputy Inspector General officials, the measure is part of a broader enforcement campaign to improve road safety standards on high-speed routes. The warning underscores that seat belt usage is not merely a recommendation but a legal requirement that directly determines passenger capacity.

Motor traffic regulations in Sri Lanka mandate that all vehicle occupants wear seat belts while travelling on expressways. Police have indicated they will conduct checks at expressway toll plazas and other strategic points to ensure compliance with the regulation.

Vehicle owners and operators are advised to verify the number of functioning seat belts in their vehicles before undertaking expressway journeys to avoid penalties and ensure passenger safety.