Seat belts must from October 1

Disna MUDALIGE

A person found guilty for the first time of violating the seat belt law from October 1 will be fined between Rs. 1,000 to Rs, 2,000, Police Spokesman SSP Maxi Proctor said.

A fine of not less than Rs 2,000 and not more than Rs 3,000 will be imposed at the second conviction while the cancellation or suspension of the driving license and a fine not less than Rs 3,500 will be imposed at the third conviction, he said.

The Police Spokesman said that wearing seat belts will be compulsory for both the driver and the passenger in the front seat.

This new law under the Motor Traffic Act will apply to all dual purpose vehicles and cars with English number plates.

It also applies to all buses and lorries which will be registered after October 1. However motor cycles, three wheelers, three wheeled vans, hearses, special duty vehicles and hand tractors are exempted from the new law.

Individuals whose height is less than four feet and nine inches and who possess medical certificates recommending not to use seat belts for medical reasons are also exempted from it.