Cabinet approves spot fines for seatbelt law offenders

Cabinet has given approval to amend Section 157 A (4) of the Motor Traffic Act, to impose spot fines against drivers and passengers travelling in the front seat of vehicles contravening the seat belt regulations.

At present drivers and the passengers in the front seats of certain categories of vehicles that have registration numbers beginning with English letters shall essentially wear the seat belt

In keeping with the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act, regulations pertaining to violation of seat belt provide, on conviction, after a summary trial in a court of law, for the imposition of a fine not less than Rs. 1,000 and not exceeding Rs. 2,000 on the first occasion, a fine not less Rs. 2,000 and not exceeding Rs. 3,000 on the second occasion and a fine not exceeding Rs. 3,500 and cancellation of the driving license on the third occasion, on conviction after a summary trial in a court of law.

“Implementation of these fines is being carried out by the courts and the public have been inconvenienced,” Transport Minister Kumara Welgama had said at the Cabinet meeting, urging the need to amend the law to impose spot fines.

The decision was announced at yesterday’s Cabinet media briefing.