The National Road Safety Council has announced that the mandatory seat belt regulation will be strictly enforced from June 20, following the conclusion of the grace period granted to motorists.
Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Manjula Kularatne, stated that all occupants travelling on expressways, including passengers seated in both the front and rear seats of vehicles, will be required to wear seat belts.
He emphasized that the grace period, which expires on June 19, was provided to allow vehicle owners and the public sufficient time to comply with the regulation and become familiar with the new requirements.
“After June 19, the law will be enforced without any further relaxation,” Kularatne said.
Although the regulation was introduced earlier, authorities temporarily eased its implementation to facilitate public awareness and compliance.
Road safety officials have now confirmed that from June 20 onwards, full adherence to the seat belt requirement will be mandatory, and legal action will be taken against drivers and passengers found violating the regulation.
The measure forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety standards, reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, and encourage responsible driving practices across the country.
Motorists are urged to ensure that all passengers wear seat belts and that vehicles are properly equipped with functioning seat belt systems before travelling on expressways.
