Expressway Seat Belt Mandate: 3-Month Grace Period Extended for Older Vehicles

Authorities in Sri Lanka have extended the grace period for installing seat belts in vehicles not originally manufactured with them for use on expressways. The National Council for Road Safety announced a three-month extension, effective from June 20th. This allows owners of older vehicles until September 19, 2026, to comply with the mandate. The regulation, aimed at enhancing passenger safety, requires both drivers and passengers to wear seat belts when present. Officials, including Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake and DIG D.V.J. Senadhira, highlighted the importance of the law.