Sri Lanka’s New Seat Belt Rules: A Lifesaving Move for Road Safety

The recent decision by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Transport to enforce mandatory seat belt use on expressways marks a significant stride toward reducing road fatalities and serious injuries. This policy, which takes effect in July 2025 for bus drivers and will be gradually extended to all passengers, reflects global best practices and aligns with international safety standards. 

To maximize the impact of this regulation, a comprehensive approach addressing technical, operational, educational, and enforcement aspects is essential.

Mandatory Technical Specifications for Effective Seat Belts

Effective seat belts must comply with internationally recognized technical standards to ensure occupant safety. According to the United Nations Regulation No. 16, an approved seat belt must:

  • Bear a type approval mark, including a capital "E" in a circle indicating certification by an authorized country.
  • Undergo rigorous testing for strength, durability, and compatibility with other vehicle safety systems such as airbags and pretensioners.
  • Meet criteria on webbing width, elongation, and anchorage strength as outlined in standards like the U.S. NHTSA Standard No. 209 and EU directives.

Adherence to these specifications guarantees that seat belts effectively restrain occupants during crashes, reducing the risk of fatal injuries.

Oversight and Enforcement Authorities in Sri Lanka

The National Transport Safety Commission (NTSC), soon to replace the National Council for Road Safety, should serve as the lead authority for monitoring and enforcing seat belt regulations. The NTSC’s mandate includes formulating national transport safety policies, coordinating interagency efforts, and maintaining safety databases.

Operational enforcement can be carried out by the Traffic Police and the Road Passenger Transport Authority, as currently initiated with spot checks on buses and private vehicles. Strengthening interagency coordination and statutory backing will enhance compliance and enforcement effectiveness.

Mandatory Seat Belt Checks Before Vehicle Commissioning

Implementing compulsory "seat belt checks" for all passenger transport vehicles before commissioning on expressways is critical. This pre-commissioning inspection should verify:

  • Presence of type-approved seat belts in all passenger seats.
  • Proper functioning of seat belt retractors and buckles.
  • Compliance with safety standards.

These checks will help ensure that passenger safety is prioritised from the outset, preventing vehicles with defective or missing seat belts from entering service.

Record-Keeping and Auditing Mechanisms

Robust record-keeping is vital to prevent circumvention of seat belt rules. 

Modern digital solutions can be employed, including:

  • Fleet management software is integrated with telematics to monitor seat belt usage in real-time.
  • In-cab cameras with AI capabilities to verify driver and passenger compliance.
  • Cloud-based centralized databases are maintained by the NTSC for audit trails and compliance verification.

These technologies enable transparent, continuous monitoring and facilitate targeted enforcement actions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance and Safety Violations

Sri Lanka’s Motor Traffic Act amendments propose spot fines ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,500, escalating with repeated offenses and including license cancellation. 

For seat belt inoperability, penalties should include:

  • Immediate fines for operators failing to maintain functional seat belts.
  • Suspension of vehicle operation licenses until defects are rectified.
  • Heavier penalties for repeat offenders to deter negligence.

Strict enforcement will underscore the seriousness of passenger safety and incentivize compliance.

Passenger Education and Demonstrations

A short, practical demonstration by trained personnel on proper seat belt use should be mandatory, especially on public transport vehicles. This initiative can:

  • Increase passenger awareness of seat belt benefits.
  • Address common misuse or misconceptions.
  • Encourage habitual seat belt use, significantly reducing injury risk.

Educational campaigns can be supplemented by visual aids and announcements during journeys.

Addressing Special Passenger Needs

Special considerations are necessary for:

  • Pregnant women: Medical advice supports wearing seat belts properly positioned below the belly to maximize protection without harm.
  • Obese passengers: Seat belt fit can be compromised; vehicle operators should explore adjustable or specially designed belts to ensure effectiveness.
  • Children: Use of approved child restraint devices or booster seats is essential for safety, with regulations aligned to international standards.

For passengers carried on laps due to financial constraints, public awareness and policy support for affordable child restraints should be promoted to enhance safety.

Additional Considerations

  • Continuous data collection and research to assess the impact of seat belt regulations and identify areas for improvement.
  • Integration of seat belt enforcement with broader road safety initiatives, including speed control and drunk driving prevention.
  • Encouraging vehicle manufacturers and importers to supply vehicles equipped with certified seat belts in all seating positions.

The enforcement of seat belt use on Sri Lanka’s expressways is a commendable and necessary step toward safeguarding lives. By adhering to stringent technical standards, empowering the NTSC for oversight, mandating pre-commissioning checks, employing modern record-keeping, imposing strict penalties, educating passengers, and accommodating special needs, Sri Lanka can build a robust framework that significantly reduces road traffic injuries and fatalities. 

This holistic approach will foster a culture of safety and responsibility on the nation’s roads.


What Are Your Thoughts on This New Seat Belt Law?

Your feedback matters. Share your views, suggestions, or concerns in the comments below—especially if you're a road user, public transport operator, or policymaker. By engaging in this conversation, you help shape a safer road culture in Sri Lanka. Your insights could inform future blog posts, awareness efforts, or even policy recommendations.

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