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Sri Lanka tightens road safety with mandatory expressway seatbelt enforcement

Sri Lankan authorities have implemented stricter enforcement of seatbelt regulations on expressways as part of broader road safety measures. The mandatory requirement applies to all vehicle occupants using the island's express routes.

LSN Sri Lanka · 21 September 2026

Sri Lanka tightens road safety with mandatory expressway seatbelt enforcement

Sri Lanka has moved to enhance passenger safety on its expressway network by enforcing mandatory seatbelt usage among all vehicle occupants. The enforcement initiative represents an intensified effort by authorities to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities on high-speed routes across the country.

The regulation requires drivers and all passengers to wear seatbelts while travelling on expressways, with enforcement mechanisms now in place to ensure compliance. This measure aligns with international road safety standards and reflects growing concerns about accident prevention on Sri Lanka's major transport corridors.

Expressways handle significant volumes of inter-city traffic daily, with vehicles travelling at higher speeds than conventional roads. Safety officials have emphasized that seatbelt usage significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in the event of collisions or sudden braking.

The enforcement action is part of a broader strategy by transport and law enforcement agencies to improve road safety across Sri Lanka. Authorities have indicated that ongoing monitoring and compliance checks will continue on expressway routes to ensure the regulation is observed by motorists and passengers.