A pilot project for Sri Lanka’s new driving licence demerit points system has been launched.
Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake disclosed this at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
The Minister said the project had been launched to penalise drivers who repeatedly violate road rules and raise public awareness of the system.
The 06-month pilot project will remain in operation until March 31, 2027.
Under the proposed system, demerit points will be added to a driver’s record depending on the severity of traffic violations.
Once a driver accumulates 30 points, the system will automatically suspend their driving licence.
Key features of the demerit points system
Licence suspension: Once a licence is suspended, it must be handed over to the nearest police station.
Opportunity to reduce the suspension period: The suspension will generally last one year. However, drivers who complete prescribed training programmes may have the suspension period reduced to 03 months.
SMS notifications: Motorists who commit traffic offences will also receive SMS notifications informing them of the demerit points associated with their violations after paying the relevant fines.
Objective: The initiative is not intended to intimidate motorists but to encourage compliance with traffic regulations and improve road safety.