Police have clarified that children under 12, passengers below 135 centimetres in height and those medically advised against wearing seat belts are exempt from the mandatory seat belt requirement on expressways.
Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera, who heads the Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, said the exemptions were provided under regulations published in a Gazette notification on 25 June 2025.
Speaking on the Ada Derana Big Focus programme, Senadheera said the exemptions should not be interpreted as discouraging the use of appropriate safety restraints.
“Those who are exempt can use a lap belt for their own safety,” he said, stressing that passengers should take responsibility for their safety while travelling on expressways.
Explaining the exemption based on height, the DIG said a conventional seat belt could pass across the neck rather than the torso of a person below the specified height, potentially increasing the risk of injury in a serious collision.
He also urged parents travelling with young children to take appropriate safety precautions rather than relying solely on law enforcement authorities to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, Senadheera advised motorists to maintain an adequate distance from other vehicles, particularly during rainy weather, and to generally remain in the left-hand lane, using the right-hand lane for overtaking.
Police are also considering measures against vehicles travelling at unnecessarily low speeds on expressways, while discussions are underway on the possible introduction of a minimum speed limit.
The DIG added that motorists who witness dangerous or reckless driving can send video footage to Police via WhatsApp on 070 475 5600.
