Sri Lankan authorities have clarified that specific categories of commuters are legally exempt from mandatory seat-belt regulations when traveling on expressways, following guidelines stipulated in the official Gazette notification.
Key Exemptions
- Young children and passengers who are under four and a half feet (4.5 ft) in height.
- Commuters with certified medical conditions advising against the use of seat belts.
- Enforcing officers instructed to exercise discretion and grant relevant exemptions during checks.
Speaking on the enforcement policy, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) W.P.J. Senadheera stated that law enforcement personnel will take individual physical and medical circumstances into consideration during routine expressway checks.
While these exemptions exist under the law, DIG Senadheera urged drivers to remain cautious and ensure alternative safety measures are taken when transporting young children and medically exempt individuals on high-speed roadways.