World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Young children exempt from mandatory seat-belt rules on expressways
Sri Lankan police have clarified that certain categories of passengers, including young children, are not required to wear seat belts while travelling on expressways under existing traffic regulations.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera confirmed that specific exemptions exist within Sri Lanka's seat-belt regulations for expressway travel, with young children among those not mandated to comply with the safety requirement.
The clarification addresses longstanding questions about who must adhere to seat-belt rules on the country's expressway network. According to the police official, the exemptions are established under existing traffic laws governing highway safety standards.
While seat-belt usage remains a critical safety measure for protecting vehicle occupants in accidents, the designated exemptions reflect particular considerations for younger passengers whose physical size and development may not be compatible with standard adult restraint systems.
Police authorities have indicated that drivers remain responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable seat-belt regulations for all passengers who do not fall within the exempted categories. Violations of mandatory seat-belt requirements can result in traffic citations and fines for vehicle operators.