Seat Belts Mandatory on Expressways from 19 June 2026

With effect from 19 June 2026, the wearing of safety seat belts has become mandatory for all drivers and passengers travelling on expressways throughout the country.

The Expressway Division of the Sri Lanka Police will closely monitor compliance with this regulation, which has been introduced under the National Road Safety Program implemented by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

To educate the public on the new requirement, an awareness campaign was conducted at the Kottawa Expressway Interchange on 16 and 17 June 2026 with the participation of internationally acclaimed Racing Champion Mr. Dilantha Malagamuwa.

During the program, informational leaflets carrying the theme “A Click for Your Loved Ones” were distributed among drivers and passengers using the expressway. The campaign highlighted the importance of wearing seat belts from 19 June 2026 and encouraged road users to drive responsibly for their own safety and the protection of their loved ones.

Accordingly, the three-month grace period granted to motorists and passengers to familiarize themselves with the seat belt regulation has now expired. Legal action will be taken against individuals who fail to comply with the law after 19 September 2026.

The prescribed penalty for violating the seat belt regulation is a fine of Rs. 1,000. In accordance with the relevant legal provisions, the vehicle owner, driver, and passenger may each be held liable and subjected to the prescribed penalty for non-compliance.

While the use of seat belts is already mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers travelling on ordinary roads, this regulation requires all occupants of vehicles travelling on expressways to wear seat belts at all times.

The awareness program was attended by National People’s Power Colombo District Member of Parliament Mr. Devananda Suraweera and Mr. R.A.D. Kahatapitiya, Deputy Director General of the Expressway Operations, Maintenance and Management Division of the Road Development Authority.