Seat Belt Law for All Expressway Passengers to Take Effect September 19

Sri Lanka will make seat belts mandatory for all passengers, including those travelling in rear seats, on expressways from September 19, Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today (08).

The Minister said the decision comes amid concerns over road safety, noting that 2,700 people were killed in road accidents in 2025.

According to research, casualties on expressways have predominantly involved rear-seat passengers, particularly women and children. The government has therefore decided to extend the existing seat belt requirement to all passengers.

Rathnayake said the regulation has been in practice for the past year, with a grace period provided for older vehicles that were not equipped with rear seat belts. Vehicle owners were given time to install the required belts.

However, from September 19, all vehicles using expressways—including office transport, school vans and hired vehicles - will be required to comply with the regulation.

Vehicles found without the required seat belts will face police enforcement and penalties, the Minister warned.

While acknowledging that some may oppose the measure, Rathnayake said sufficient time had been provided for vehicle owners to comply.

“After September 19, no vehicle will be allowed on the expressway without the required seat belts,” he said.

The Minister clarified that the regulation applies specifically to Sri Lanka’s expressways.