Strict enforcement of seat belt rule after two weeks

Disna Mudalige

The Police will carry out admonishing motorists during the initial two weeks of the new seat belt rule before legal action is taken thereafter, said Police Media Spokesman SSP Maxi Proctor.

He said that this period would serve as a grace period for the drivers and passengers to get used to the new law effective from October 1.

He noted that the Police would strictly enforce the new law after the grace period and accordingly legal action would be taken against the offenders.

The wearing of seat belts is compulsory under the new law of the Motor Traffic Act for the driver and passenger in the front seat in all dual purpose vehicles and cars with English number plates. SSP Proctor said that the number of offences would be counted and a fine ranging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 would be imposed at the first conviction.

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