The Government has extended by three months the concessionary period granted to vehicle manufacturers to install seat belts in vehicles operating on expressways, following requests from industry stakeholders.
Under the Motor Vehicles (Expressways) Order No. 2 of 2011, issued in line with the Motor Vehicles Act, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in vehicles traveling on expressways.
The initial grace period for manufacturers to retrofit seat belts in vehicles without them expired on 19 June 2026.
Considering appeals to extend the deadline, the Government amended the Order through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2493/19 dated 17 June 2026, pushing the grace period to 19 September 2026.
The proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development for parliamentary approval has already been endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Newswire)