Seatbelts mandatory for all expressway passengers from September

Seatbelts become mandatory for every passenger traveling in vehicles on expressways starting September 19, and police intend to enforce the requirement strictly.

Traffic Management and Road Safety Director Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala announced the measure during a media briefing designed to raise public awareness.

The regulation applies to all passengers, including those on expressway buses, carrying a fine of Rs. 1,000 for non-compliance.

Legal provisions already exist to issue fines, and authorities emphasise the importance of wearing seatbelts to protect lives amid rising fatalities linked to unbelted passengers during crashes.

National Council for Road Safety Chairman Manjula Kularatna noted that a grace period allowing unequipped vehicles to install seatbelts also concludes on September 19.

The requirement originates from Extraordinary Gazette number 2455/29, issued on September 25, 2025.